Data from traders, LSEG, and calculations on Wednesday showed that ultra-low-sulphur fuel loadings at the 'Russian port Primorsk' may fall by 17% in February compared to last month, due to a 'lower fuel production and harsh Baltic weather, which disrupts supplies. Exports through Primorsk - 'Russia's biggest outlet for ultra low-sulphur fuel shipments - jumped 32.4% on the month last month to reach a record 2,256 million tons.

According to calculations based on industry estimates, peak maintenance at Russian primary refinery units was expected in the month of January. This would reduce fuel production and limit export volumes this month.

In January and February, the severe frosts that swept across Russia, and temperatures that were far below normal for this time of year, led?port authorities? to tighten vessel requirements, and prohibit tankers?without ice-class?certification?from entering the ports?of Primorsk?, Ust-Luga?, Vysotsk?and St.?Petersburg?.

According to traders, the tougher ice regulations could reduce in February the number of?tankers that are available for fuel loadings at Russia's Baltic port.

Diesel?loadings at Primorsk Port have totaled 0.6 million tons so far in february, or about 56,000 tonnes per day.

(source: Reuters)