The Malta delivered hi-lo bunker premium -- the price difference between delivered low sulfur and high sulfur bunker fuel in the Mediterranean port -- has risen to its highest level since last summer amid a shortage of LSFO from local bunker suppliers, sources said Thursday.

The low sulfur delivered premiums was assessed $140/mt over high sulfur Wednesday, the highest since July 1 when Platts started to reflect fuel with a maximum sulfur content of 1%, data showed. The 380 CST low sulfur bunker market was assessed at $730.50/mt.

On Wednesday, only one Maltese bunker supplier was able to offer firm prompt deliveries of LSFO, traders said, adding prices were also lent support from surging LSFO CIF MED cargoes.