The International Bunker Industry Association (IBIA) has warned that the current disruption in the marine fuel market reflects a structural shift rather than a temporary period of volatility.

In a statement released on 7 April, IBIA Chair Adrian Tolson said recent developments in the Persian Gulf, together with the vulnerability of key transit points such as the Strait of Hormuz, have exposed fundamental weaknesses in global energy systems, particularly in the bunker supply chain.

Tolson said that although the industry has responded with resilience and maintained supply across key hubs, the wider consequences are likely to be significant and long-lasting.

According to the statement, energy security has now become a defining priority for the sector. Tolson added that even if geopolitical tensions ease, the market is still likely to face lasting changes in supply dynamics, pricing structures and the pace of transition towards alternative fuels.

He said: “This is not the same market we knew just a few months ago. The bunker value chain is evolving in real time, requiring adaptability, collaboration, and forward-looking strategies.”

IBIA said it and its members are well placed to support the sector through this transition by providing stability, practical insight and a platform for meaningful collaboration.