The latest report from Lloyd's Register reveals that issues related to stability, blends, and operational quality are growing. Biofuels are emerging as a major cause of problems... The most significant signals so far indicate growth.

For companies, it's not just about volume growth; it's also about quality revenue, customer retention, and sustainability of profit margins in the next quarter. In the short term, the decisive factor remains commercial execution: entry times, channels, and market selection could determine whether expansion or contraction occurs in margins. In the first half of 2026, the picture of fuel quality for mariners remains complex.

Known issues persist, such as exceeding sulfur limits, high water content, sedimentation, and particulate catalysis, especially in residual fuels and primary hubs for bunkering worldwide. One notable increase is seen in 'very low sulphur fuel oil' (Vlsfo) samples with slightly higher-than-limit sulfur levels after a decline between 2022 and 2025 (see graph). A novel issue concerns increasing variability of blends and behavior of fuels during use, aspects which traditional controls often fail to detect.

One case analyzed by the report involves some deliveries made at Singapore between March and April. Investigations found elevated concentrations of engine oil esters in various shipments. Although an approved ISO 8217 component, very high levels were associated with stability issues of the .