Dubai, Aug 17 (V7N)- Bunker fuel sales to marine vessels at the United Arab Emirates' Fujairah port increased in July, marking the first monthly rise since sales hit a record low in June, Reuters reported.
Market sources said the increase was linked to a partial resumption of fuel supplies as tensions between the United States and Iran eased temporarily.
More oil tankers were reportedly able to pass through the Strait of Hormuz in June and July, allowing bunker fuel supplies to Fujairah to return closer to normal. The increase in vessel traffic subsequently boosted July fuel sales.
However, shipping activity through the strategically important waterway remains well below pre-conflict levels.
The Strait of Hormuz has faced severe disruption since the United States and Israel launched attacks on Iran in late February. The waterway is one of the world's most important energy routes, and the disruption has placed pressure on oil supplies and shipping operations across the Gulf.
Market participants cautioned that the recent improvement remains limited. They said a sustained recovery in bunker fuel supplies and sales at Fujairah will likely depend on the full restoration of normal commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
END/SMA/AJ
