VLSFO 3Q viscosity levels hit new high

Market: Oil products
08/10/25

Very low-sulphur fuel oil (VLSFO) global viscosity levels hit a new record high in the third quarter of 2025, according to the most recent data from French classification society Bureau Veritas.

VLSFO viscosity levels at 50°C (122°F) averaged 190 centistokes (cst) in the third quarter, exceeding the record set in the previous quarter since Bureau Veritas began collecting this information in 2020. The third quarter 2025 average was up by 15pc compared with the same period last year at 165 cst.

Gothenburg, Sweden, had the highest average viscosity at 336cst followed by Skagen, Denmark, at 323cst and Zona Comun, Argentina, at 300cst, Bureau Veritas said.

New Orleans, Louisiana; and Santos, Brazil, once again had the lowest average VLSFO viscosity at 83cst and 94cst, respectively. Yeosu, South Korea, was the third-lowest average viscosity at 118cst, according to Bureau Veritas.

The higher the viscosity level, the less wear and tear will occur in a ship's engine.

By Luis Gronda

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17/11/25

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17/11/25

Cop: Ministers left with mountain of work at Cop 30

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API pitches revamp of biofuel exemptions: Update

13/11/25

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13/11/25

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API pitches revamp of small refinery biofuel waivers

13/11/25

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13/11/25

API pitches revamp of small refinery biofuel waivers

New York, 13 November (Argus) — The American Petroleum Institute (API) is pitching the White House and biofuel groups on a total revamp of how the US exempts oil companies from a program that requires biofuel blending, according to three people familiar with the lobbying group's work. The API recently withdrew its support for a bill that would authorize 15pc ethanol gasoline (E15) year-round on its frustrations with changes to biofuel policy this year that oil companies see as too friendly to farmers and to some small refining competitors. The US for instance recently granted small oil refiners generous hardship waivers from a biofuel blend mandate and proposed requiring larger companies to blend more biofuels in future years as an offset. API's pitch would require that companies seeking program exemptions must show that economic hardship stems directly from the biofuel program, a more stringent requirement than today, according to two of the people familiar with the group's work. Exemptions would also be restricted to small companies with limited collective refining capacity, cutting off larger enterprises like Delek that own multiple small units that qualify today. The oil group then wants the US to prohibit hiking other oil companies' blend requirements to offset those exemptions, a tougher sell to biofuel and crop groups that fear unchecked program waivers curb demand for their products. Larger independent refiners that do not qualify for small refinery relief have also long pushed lawmakers for updates to the program and would not benefit from this deal. API's idea is to pass legislation pairing updates to the small refinery exemption program with year-round authorization of E15, generally prohibited in the summer without emergency waivers because of summertime fuel volatility restrictions that do not apply to typical 10pc ethanol gasoline. That's a top priority for ethanol companies, otherwise at risk from an increasingly efficient and electric light-duty vehicle fleet. E15 legislation nearly passed Congress last year. API made the pitch to the White House at a meeting this week, the sources familiar with API's work said. The White House is hosting other groups for meetings on fuel policy, including another one today on E15 that will feature biofuel groups. API declined to comment on any meetings with President Donald Trump's administration. "We appreciate the administration's leadership in bringing stakeholders together to advance a practical solution on E15 and small refinery exemption reform", the group said. "We look forward to continuing to work together to advance a framework that supports fuel choice, strengthens the refining and agricultural sectors, and helps ensure a stable, reliable supply for American consumers." By Cole Martin Send comments and request more information at feedback@argusmedia.com Copyright © 2025. Argus Media group . All rights reserved.

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VLSFO 3Q viscosity levels hit new high

Related news posts

German distillates demand rises after Ice gasoil expiry

German distillates demand rises after Ice gasoil expiry

Cop: Ministers left with mountain of work at Cop 30

Cop: Ministers left with mountain of work at Cop 30

Cop: 10 countries pledge to align transport with 1.5ºC

Cop: 10 countries pledge to align transport with 1.5ºC

API pitches revamp of biofuel exemptions: Update

API pitches revamp of biofuel exemptions: Update

API pitches revamp of small refinery biofuel waivers

API pitches revamp of small refinery biofuel waivers

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