Bunker Prices in Istanbul
Istanbul is the busiest bunkering location on the Mediterranean–Black Sea corridor. Deliveries are made by barge at the anchorages serving the Turkish Straits — Ambarlı, Zeytinburnu and Büyükçekmece on the Marmara side — so vessels can lift fuel without berthing, typically while waiting for a Bosphorus transit slot.
Indicative price range today
| Grade | Indicative range ($/MT) |
|---|---|
| VLSFO 0.5% | $625 – $650 |
| LSMGO 0.1% | $725 – $755 |
| IFO 380 | $480 – $500 |
Brent-indexed estimate calibrated to published hub averages — not a tradable quote. Firm prices come from supplier offers.
Get firm quotes for this port
Send one request and verified suppliers respond with competing offers. Free for shipowners and operators — no commitment until you accept a quote.
Bunkering at Istanbul
Istanbul is the busiest bunkering location on the Mediterranean–Black Sea corridor. Deliveries are made by barge at the anchorages serving the Turkish Straits — Ambarlı, Zeytinburnu and Büyükçekmece on the Marmara side — so vessels can lift fuel without berthing, typically while waiting for a Bosphorus transit slot.
Because every ship trading into the Black Sea passes the Straits, Istanbul competes directly with Piraeus and Malta for round-voyage stems. Multiple physical suppliers operate here, which keeps spreads competitive; stems are usually quoted ex-anchorage with 24–48 hours notice.
Key facts
By barge at anchorage (Ambarlı / Zeytinburnu / Büyükçekmece)
VLSFO 0.5%, LSMGO 0.1%, IFO 380
24–48 hours
0.50% global limit — the Sea of Marmara is outside the 2025 Mediterranean ECA
Frequently asked questions
Can I bunker while waiting for Bosphorus transit?
Yes — that is the standard pattern. Suppliers schedule barge delivery around your transit slot at the Marmara anchorages, so bunkering normally adds no extra port time.
Is Istanbul inside the Mediterranean ECA?
No. The Mediterranean SOx ECA (0.10% sulphur, in force since 1 May 2025) covers the Mediterranean Sea proper; the Sea of Marmara and the Black Sea remain under the 0.50% global limit. Vessels continuing into the Med need compliant fuel from the ECA boundary, which is worth reflecting in LSMGO quantities.
How do I get a firm price?
The figures on this page are Brent-indexed estimates. For a firm offer, send one request through BunkerIstanbul and verified local suppliers respond with competing quotes — free for shipowners and operators.