Panama recorded its lowest monthly marine fuel sales in September since June, with a total of 385,368 metric tonnes. This figure, while a three-month low, still represented a marginal 2.5% increase compared to the 376,033 metric tonnes sold in September 2025, according to data from the Panama Maritime Authority (AMP).
Sales of very low sulfur fuel oil (VLSFO) showed a positive trend, reaching 265,784 metric tonnes in September. This was an increase from 246,908 metric tonnes in August and 245,877 metric tonnes in September 2025. Conversely, high sulfur fuel oil (HSFO) sales experienced a notable drop, totaling 75,470 metric tonnes. This marks the lowest monthly volume for HSFO since July 2023.
For freight forwarders and operations managers, fluctuations in bunker fuel sales in key maritime hubs like Panama can indicate shifts in vessel traffic or bunkering strategies. A decrease in overall sales, especially for HSFO, might suggest a continued trend towards cleaner fuels or a temporary reduction in vessel calls requiring bunkering in the region. This could indirectly affect vessel schedules and operational costs for carriers, potentially influencing freight rates or transit times through the Panama Canal.
