12 December, 2020 (Argus) – The total volume of oil products held independently in Amsterdam-Rotterdam-Antwerp (ARA) rose in the week to yesterday, the latest data from consultancy Insights Global show.

Inventory levels in ARA rose on the week, buoyed by rising stocks of gasoil, fuel oil and gasoline. Gasoline inventories rose to reach seven-week highs, with outflows to the US and west Africa both falling. Tankers also departed for Puerto Rico and the Mediterranean for orders. Cargoes arrived from France, Norway, Russia, Sweden and the UK. Barge traffic around the ARA area was steady on the week and no congestion was reported.

Fuel oil inventories rose on the week, with tankers arriving from the Baltics, Denmark, France and Russia. There is likely to be low sulphur fuel oil compliant with upcoming changes to maritime fuel regulations. Tankers departed for west Africa.

Gasoil stocks rose amid a slight increase in incoming volumes. Tankers arrived from the Baltics and Russia, and departed for the UK. Barge demand from along the river Rhine was strong — broadly stable on the week — with consumers keen to bring in diesel and heating oil cargoes ahead of the festive season. Market activity is likely to be low in Germany during the latter half of December.

Jet fuel stocks in ARA fell on rising demand from along the river Rhine, with inland airports increasing their fuel intake before anticipated high demand over the Christmas period. A part cargo discharged in ARA from Abu Dhabi and tankers left for the UK and Vietnam.

Naphtha inventories fell, again prompted by higher demand from along the river Rhine. Petrochemical consumers are likely bringing naphtha out of storage in the ARA area to consume before the year end. Tankers arrived from Algeria, France, Latvia and Spain, while none departed.

Reporter: Thomas Warner