Japan: Bunker C sales nosedive in November

Mon 28 Dec 2009, 06:41 GMT

Japan: Bunker C sales nosedive in November

Volumes of B- and C- type fuel oil plummet 35 percent in November 2009.

Sales of B- and C- type fuel oil led falls in Japan in November 2009 as the country's total oil product sales declined 4.7 percent from a year earlier, according to government data released today.

Amid a warm start to the winter, sales volumes of B- and C-type fuel oil - used mainly by large ships and utilities - nosedived 35 percent year-on-year in November.

The decrease was the most significant oil product decline last month as kerosene sales fell 14 percent and gasoline sales, which make up over a third of fuel use in the country, dropped 1.4 percent as the popularity of hybrid vehicles increased.

Total sales of petroleum products in Japan - the world's third-largest oil consumer - fell to 3.42 million barrels per day (bpd) in November, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) said.

The decline follows a 1.8 percent rise in October and was less than the 7 percent drop forecast by news agency Reuters.

BP Japan


		World Fuel Services and West Coast Clean Fuels launch methanol bunkering across US ports First over-the-water methanol delivery completed in South Florida with Coast Guard-approved procedures.

		Burando Energies appoints Valerie Ahrens as global head of methanol Ahrens brings more than 30 years of energy sector experience to the marine fuels supplier.

		New Sea Generation seeks junior bunker trader in Greece Greek bunker firm advertises role requiring commitment to demanding work schedule and operational responsibilities.

		IINO Lines secures sustainable shipping finance for methanol dual-fuel VLCC Japanese shipowner signs impact financing agreement with Mizuho Bank for alternative-fuel tanker.

		Fluxys Belgium reports EUR74.9m profit as LNG flows surge and hydrogen infrastructure begins Belgian gas infrastructure operator’s 2025 net profit fell 8.8% amid hydrogen and CO₂ investments.

		Shale oil components detected in Singapore marine fuel \| VPS VPS testing identifies 90,000 mt of delivered VLSFO containing Estonian shale oil compounds.

		IBIA chair completes two-year term, citing expansion in regulatory engagement and membership Outgoing chair to remain on Global Board and lead Future Fuels and Bunker Buyers’ working groups.

		LNG and methanol investments risk becoming 'dead ends' for shipping decarbonisation, UCL study finds Research warns transitional marine fuels may lock in fossil infrastructure rather than enabling an ammonia pathway.

		Protasov: Renewable fuel supply could meet shipping demand, but offtake agreements remain a barrier GENA Solutions CEO highlights project pipeline growth but warns regulatory uncertainty hampers investment decisions.

		Wah Kwong takes delivery of first LNG-ready LR2 tanker with Bureau Veritas SMART notation Frontier Venture is first in newbuild series to achieve Group 3 'augmented ship' capabilities.