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China Marine Bunker (PetroChina) Co. Ltd (Chimbusco), has this week begun quoting spot bunker prices for the ports of Dalian, Qinghuangdao, Qingdao and Lianyungang.

China's leading bunker supplier has decided to cancel its policy of publishing posted prices for the four east coast ports, choosing instead to offer spot prices to clients.

In additon to the ports of Dalian, Qinghuangdao, Qingdao and Lianyungang, Chimbusco also provides spot prices for Shanghai, Ningbo, Zhoushan, Changjiang and Yangshan.

Chimbusco continues to publish posted prices for Guangzhou, Zhanjiang, Fujian, Fangchenggang and Tianjin.

Last year Chimbusco also cancelled its policy of publising posted prices for Shanghai, Ningbo and Zhoushan after competitor Brightoil Petroleum began supplying marine fuel at the east coast ports.

Dalian

In August 2009, Brightoil said that it plans to invest US$887 million to build an oil storage facility in the northern port area of Changxing Island in Dalian, Liaoning province.

Once completed the new facility is expected to have a capacity of around 8 million cubic meters and will be used to store fuel oil, diesel fuel, aviation fuel, chemical products and crude oil.

Brightoil is also understood to be planning to build a 192.6-kilometer pipeline to link the storage facility with the national pipeline.

The company also plans to set up a 60-40 joint venture with Dalian City Municipal Government to build a wharf in the city. The wharf will comprise of 13-15 berths and will require an investement of around US$160 million.

News of Brightoil's expansion plans in Dalian is thought to be a major reason for Chimbusco's decision to no longer publish posted prices for the north-eastern port.