Very Low Sulphur Fuel Oil (VLSFO) Market Size, Share, Growth and Industry Analysis by type (Heavy Fuel Oil, Light Fuel Oil) by application (Shipping, Others) Regional Forecast to 2035.

VERY LOW SULPHUR FUEL OIL (VLSFO) MARKET OVERVIEW

The global very low sulphur fuel oil (vlsfo) market size was USD 114775.39 million in 2026 and is projected to touch USD 623919.57 million by 2035, exhibiting a CAGR of 20.7% during the forecast period.

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has implemented stricter environmental regulations which drive the rapid expansion of the Global Very Low Sulfur Fuel Oil (VLSFO) market. The maritime industry adopted VLSFO as a suitable alternative because it aims to lower sulphur emissions from ships in compliance with regulatory requirements. The market transformation gains momentum as shipping companies together with refineries and fuel suppliers switch their operations to meet both compliance and sustainability goals.

A rise in consciousness concerning environmental impacts of marine emissions and the global decarbonization push have enhanced VLSFO demand. This fuel has now gained acceptance among major ports and shipping routes due to its compatibility with existing marine engines and infrastructure. Further refinements in refining technologies and logistic infrastructures have steadily benefited the availability and quality of VLSFO, thus making it a more sustainable option.

Besides the environmental considerations, the economic factors are also acting on the market. VLSFO evidently still appears as the more practical option for compliance from an economic standpoint when compared to the investment for a scrubber or switching to alternative fuels like LNG.  As the global shipping trade levels bounce back, and since sea-shipping remains an important part of world logistics, demand for greener marine fuels will gradually expand, leaving VLSFO in an eminent position on the marine fuel chart for years.

• 

  Request a Free sample to learn more about this report.

GLOBAL CRISES IMPACTING VERY LOW SULPHUR FUEL OIL (VLSFO) MARKET: IMPACT OF COVID-19 PANDEMIC

"COVID-19 Disruptions Slowed Demand but Strengthened Long-Term Shift Toward VLSFO Compliance and Supply Stability"

The Global COVID-19 pandemic has been unprecedented and staggering, with the market experiencing lower-than-anticipated demand across all regions compared to pre-pandemic levels. The sudden market growth reflected by the rise in CAGR is attributable to the market’s growth and demand returning to pre-pandemic levels.

The COVID-19 pandemic had a mixed impact on the VLSFO market. In the initial period, the lockdowns and various restrictions disrupted the operations of the maritime sector, with shipping activities and hence fuel demand remaining subdued. Port congestion, disruptions in the supply chains, and a decline in global trade volumes eased the pressure on VLSFO momentum for some time, ultimately creating some short-term volatility in prices and supplies.

However, shifts accelerated structurally because of the pandemic in the industry. As operations restarted, more focus was placed on compliance issues, sustainability, and clean fuels. The regulatory pressure from the IMO remained intact, and downtime was probably used by many shipowners to retrofit or strategize for stricter sulphur limits. In doing so, this further emphasized the long-term need for VLSFO.

MARKET LATEST TREND

"Narrowing VLSFO-HSFO Price Spread Drives Renewed Interest in HSFO Among Scrubber-Equipped Vessels"

A notable trend is the narrowing of the price spread between VLSFO and HSFO, especially in the Asian markets. In March 2025, the VLSFO-HSFO spread in Singapore narrowed to only $44 per ton-well below any spread level ever seen since the implementation of the IMO 2020 sulphur cap. This very narrow price spread works in favor of HSFO usage for ships fitted with scrubbers, as the abnormal payback period for such scrubber investments elongates, making HSFO hence a low-cost option in the face of environmental regulations.

MARKET SEGMENTATION

By Type

Based on type, the global market can be categorized into Heavy Fuel Oil, Light Fuel Oil.

• Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO): Traditionally, HFOs or heavy oil-based fuel oils have more sulphur content in them. Advancements in the refining process have resulted in the development of very low sulphur variants of HFO. VLSFO being derived from heavy crude provides an economical option for big vessels, especially those having their engines designed for higher viscosity fuels. Due to its high energy density and cost advantage, heavy fuel oil continues to find applications in ocean-going vessels.
• Light Fuel Oil (LFO): VLSFO based on Light Fuel Oil are distillate derived and are cleaner burning in comparison to heavy fuel variants. Because the combustion is easier and particulate emissions are comparatively low, it is preferred in small ships or vessels operating close to emission control areas (ECA). Meanwhile, LFO-based VLSFO fares better on the environmental front but usually carry a price tag.

By Application

Based on application the global market can be categorized into Shipping, Others.

• Shipping: The shipping sector is the overwhelming consumer of VLSFO in line with international regulations such as IMO 2020 limiting sulphur emissions. VLSFO swiftly became the mainstream marine fuel for cargo ships, tankers, as well as container vessels with a balancing act of compliance, performance, and price.
• Others: Others involve auxiliary engines, industrial boilers, and backup power, where low sulfur specification proves necessary to adhere to local emission standards. Smaller in volume compared to shipping, though, these sectors give diversified demand for VLSFO.

MARKET DYNAMICS

Market dynamics include driving and restraining factors, opportunities and challenges stating the market conditions.

Driving Factors

"IMO 2020 Sulphur Regulations Drive Shift from High-Sulphur Fuel Oil to VLSFO for Emissions Compliance"

Being comported among the primary driving factors with the other is Sulphur Regulations IMO 2020 an international mandate setting the sulphur content in marine fuel to 0.5% (down from 3.5%). This international mandate forced the shipping companies to switch from the traditional high-sulphur fuel oil to VLSFO as an emissions standard without costly scrubber installations or engine modifications.

"Rising Environmental Concerns Fuel Demand for VLSFO as a Cleaner, Sustainable Marine Fuel Alternative"

Growing concern concerning marine pollution and climate change has raised public criticism of dirty fuels and created a demand for cleaner alternatives. From this perspective, VLSFO presents a viable option low sulphur emissions, hence towards defending its sustainability credentials and assisting companies in remaining environmentally compliant without compromising operational efficiency.

Restraining Factor

"Crude Oil Price Volatility and Limited Refining Capacity Challenge VLSFO Supply Stability and Cost Management"

VLSFO markets are subjected to challenges set by fluctuating crude oil prices and selective refining of very low sulphur blends. This can result in a sporadic supply punctuated by sudden price hikes, leaving operators incapable to effectively set fuel procurement and operating cost management.

Opportunity

"Advancement of Hybrid and Alternative Fuels Creates Innovation Opportunities to Extend VLSFO’s Role as a Transitional Marine Fuel"

As the industry advances hybrid solutions and alternative marine fuels such as LNG, hydrogen, and biofuels, the production of VLSFO is placed before the opportunity to innovate-a kind of blending or integration with these fuels to open new market avenues and further carry the relevance of VLSFO as an interim fuel in the transition to greener shipping.

Challenges

"Infrastructure Upgrades and Compatibility Challenges Hinder Rapid Adoption of VLSFO and Increase Operational Complexity"

Managing VLSFO requires upgrading systems of fuel storage and handling, including engine compatibility. Many vessels and ports should enter this stage of infrastructure adaptation to safely and efficiently handle VLSFO, which would take much time and much funds, deterring rapid acceptance of VLSFO and increasing operational complexity.

REGIONAL INSIGHT OF VERY LOW SULPHUR FUEL OIL (VLSFO) MARKET

• North America

The VLSFO market in North America is influenced by stringent environmental regulations, first of all by the EPA of the United States with its emission regulations, and an IMO 2020 sulphur cap as well. Strong maritime trade activities from the region, involving large container and tanker traffic, ensure steady demand for compliant fuels such as VLSFO. Investments in refining capacity base to produce low sulphur fuels and the increasing use of scrubbers by ship operators also contribute to shaping market dynamics.

• Europe

Europe enjoys the highest adoption rate of greener shipping technologies, and yet VLSFO continues to be a key fuel in the transition. The presence of a well-developed port infrastructure as well as refining capabilities in that region helps in the smooth supply and distribution of VLSFO. This further supports the transition in marine fuel pathways toward net zero by 2050, with VLSFO being the primary fuel.

• Asia

Asia stands as the biggest and fastest-growing market for VLSFO. The region’s stronghold in global sea trade paired with its strict following of IMO rules, creates a huge need for fuels that meet these standards. Many refineries in Asia can make VLSFO, and ports in the area have geared up to handle low sulphur fuels well. Yet changing prices and the shrinking gap between VLSFO and HSFO costs have brought about money matters for ship runners those using scrubbers. Asia keeps putting money into cleaner fuel tech and setup pointing to long-term growth chances for the VLSFO market.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

"Global and Regional Energy Giants Drive VLSFO Market"

The leading companies, possessing toprefining capacities, presence, and distribution capabilities in strategic geographic locations, control the global VLSFO market to meet demand pressures. Oil and energy firms like ExxonMobil, Royal Dutch Shell, BP, TotalEnergies, and Chevron play key roles in the supply chain. They make fuels that meet standards and put money into new tech to improve VLSFO refining, boosting both amount and quality. To keep fuel flowing without breaks, these companies team up with shipping businesses and port officials. This teamwork focuses on coming up with new ideas, following rules, and being eco-friendly. Also, regional players in Asia and the Middle East intensify the efforts of these international players by virtue of their close vicinity to shipping routes and the construction of infrastructure to support the transition of marine fuel. Together, the leaders in the industry continue driving market growth while considering new opportunities and challenges arising from environmental regulations and variations in the price of crude oil.

List Of Top Very Low Sulphur Fuel Oil (Vlsfo) Market Companies

• Marathon Petroleum (U.S.)
• Indian Oil (India)
• TotalEnergies (France)
• Phillips 66 (U.S.)
• Mediterranean Fuels (Greece)
• Hindustan Petroleum (India)
• Viva Energy (Australia)
• Saudi Aramco (Saudi Arabia)
• Rosneft (Russia)
• Vitol (Netherlands)
• Sinopec (China)
• BP (U.K.)
• Exxon Mobil (U.S.)
• Chevron (U.S.)
• Shell (U.K./Netherlands)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT

In February 2025, An elegant milestone in the history of this important state oil company occurred when it became a participant in the Asian bunkering trade, making its first 24 percent renewable content Very Low Sulphur Fuel Oil (VLSFO) selling. The said biofuel, consisting of 76% mineral fuel oil and 24% used cooking oil methyl ester (UCOME), was sold to Golden Island, a licensed bunker supplier in Singapore, for delivery by the end of the month. This is in alignment with Petrobras' strategy of developing new products for the low-carbon market to assist the maritime industry in transitioning to cleaner fuels.

REPORT COVERAGE

The VLSFO market perspective, strong growth opportunities have arisen upon the implementation of the IMO 2020 sulfur cap which has restricted the sulfur content in marine fuels to 0.5%. Prior to the implementation of this regulation, the widespread use of VLSFO as a cleaner alternative to high sulfur fuels would have been unjustified. Now it constitutes the marine fuel of choice for vessels not equipped with scrubbers. The market continues to be shaped by changing concepts of environmental consciousness, fixing technologies, and new trade movements across the globe.

Looking forward, the development of the VLSFO market is expected to go in parallel to the development of decarbonization efforts for shipping. The attention is now more focused on alternative fuels such as LNG, hydrogen, and biofuels. However, VLSFO will continue to play a role as a major transitional fuel. Plans across the board aim to realize hybrid fuel formulations, increase refining capacity for clean fuels, and support digital systems that will allow optimization of fuel logistics and emission monitoring. This way, with the upgrading of global shipping fleets and the tightening of regulatory controls, VLSFO will continue to form a critical bridge toward fully sustainable fuels, and remains an indispensable link in the transition.