Jet fuel and kerosene holdings in the Amsterdam-Rotterdam-Antwerp, or ARA, refining and storage hub fell 4.5% in the week ending Thursday, according to data reported by Dutch consultancy Insights Global. Stocks of these middle distillates stood at 592,000 metric tons at the end of the reporting period.
The decrease was attributed primarily to weaker outbound flows and an absence of replenishing imports, leaving inventories lower than the prior week. The consultancy's figures show jet and kerosene volumes contracting even as other product lines experienced their own shifts.
Gasoline inventories were down 3.8% to 904,000 tons, marking the lowest gasoline stock level recorded in the data set since May 2024. Insights Global highlighted that the gasoline draw came as cargoes were loaded for shipments to South Africa and the United States, and included what the consultancy described as an unusual trade to Brazil, a move noted by Lars van Wageningen of Insights Global.
Operational constraints on inland waterways further influenced product flows. Low water levels in the Rhine river delayed blending operations and slowed the loading of barges, van Wageningen said. The consultancy noted that the heightened risk of vessels becoming stuck in the river has pushed freight rates higher, complicating logistics for operators relying on river transport and barge delivery.
Naphtha inventories experienced the largest proportional decrease, dropping 18.3% to 339,000 tons. Insights Global pointed to a combination of increased blending activity, stronger inland demand, and two shipments that departed for Venezuela as the reasons behind the fall in naphtha stocks.
The data portray a regional product balance shaped by shifting export destinations, limited import inflows, and logistical headwinds related to river navigation. Market participants and downstream users tracking supply availability and freight dynamics will likely monitor subsequent weekly reports for signs of rebalancing or further strain on storage and movement of refined products.