Spanish ports sold 880,000 metric tonnes of marine bunker fuel in August, up 9% year-on-year and 11% above the 2021-2025 average for the month, according to government data compiled by ENGINE.

The August print extended a streak of above-average monthly volumes. Spain has cleared its five-year benchmark in every month since January, except April, when sales slipped marginally below the norm.

The dataset covers conventional grades — VLSFO and LSMGO — and bio-blended products such as B30-VLSFO, a 30% FAME blend that carriers use to meet FuelEU Maritime intensity targets.

Where did the volumes land?

Algeciras remained Spain's bunker hub, accounting for 36% of national sales. The Bay of Gibraltar port lifted 312,000 mt, a 13% year-on-year gain and its largest monthly haul since April 2024.

Las Palmas, the Canary Islands' main refuelling point on the eastbound transatlantic lane, delivered 224,000 mt — up 11% on the year — for a 26% share. Barcelona, Spain's largest mainland Mediterranean container port, supplied 133,000 mt, 3% more than August 2024, capturing 15% of the market.

What is driving the rebound at Santa Cruz de Tenerife?

Santa Cruz de Tenerife posted the steepest growth among Spanish ports. Volumes jumped 29% year-on-year to 61,000 mt, recovering sharply from July, when the port handled just 11,000 mt — the lowest monthly figure since at least 2020.

The July trough likely reflected routine maintenance and voyage timing. Tenerife sits on the westbound transatlantic return leg, where scrubber-fitted bulkers and container ships take on cheaper high-sulphur fuel before crossing the Atlantic.

Where are volumes softening?

Not every port captured the upside. Ceuta, the Spanish enclave on the North African coast, saw sales fall 7% on the year to 58,000 mt. Valencia dropped 7% to 45,000 mt, a decline that aligns with softer container throughput and continued bunker call migration toward Tangier Med and Algeciras.

What does it mean for bunker traders and carriers?

The August data signals sustained bunker demand at Spain's Atlantic-facing hubs. Carriers calling Algeciras and Las Palmas continue to bunker in volume, supporting local storage and barging economics for traders such as Cepsa, Repsol, BP and Peninsula.

The persistence of bio-blended sales in the official tally also indicates that FuelEU Maritime compliance — in force since January — is reshaping purchasing patterns. Traders report growing interest in B24 and B30 blends, though price premia over VLSFO remain the binding constraint.

Where is the market heading?

With Spain clearing its five-year average for the eighth time in nine months, the country's Atlantic and Mediterranean hubs are positioned to deliver a second consecutive year of above-trend sales, provided Red Sea diversions persist and Atlantic volumes hold through the peak Q4 refinery maintenance window.