Bunkering operations at Indian ports experienced significant growth during the first seven months (January to July period) of the current year, with the total number of bunkering and ship-to-ship (STS) calls to domestic ports increasing by 64 per cent (year-on-year). The total number of bunkering and STS calls recorded at Indian ports surpassed 6,765 compared to just 4,113 during the same period in 2023. Mumbai, which is a major bunkering hub in the country has seen a 3% growth during the review period. Attacks on shipping in the Red Sea have prompted shipowners to take longer voyages around Africa. This disruption caused a substantial increase in monsoon bunker demand at Indian ports, which is typically lower due to weather disruptions.
