ENGINE: East of Suez Bunker Fuel Availability Outlook in International Shipping News 11/03/2026 Singapore and Malaysia Singapore’s VLSFO and LSMGO prices have both climbed above the $1,000/mt mark amid elevated crude prices, tightening supply and escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. The latest surge in bunker prices has largely been fuelled by escalating tensions in the region, which has driven Brent crude sharply higher and disrupted trade flows through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical corridor for global oil shipments. “Seeing a big spike in [Singapore bunker] prices in line with Brent due the Middle East crisis,” a trader said. Tighter supply conditions have also added upward pressure on prices, a source noted. Lead times for VLSFO in Singapore has expanded to around 12–16 days, up from 7–11 days last week. LSMGO supply has tightened even more noticeably, with recommended lead times stretching to 13–17 days compared with 4–11 days in the previous week, the source added. HSFO prices in Singapore have also rallied sharply, reaching multi-year highs as tensions in the Middle East continue to escalate. Availability of the grade has tightened alongside the price increase, with lead times extending to 11–15 days from 8–11 days a week earlier. Another notable development has emerged in the port, where some suppliers have paused new bookings for B24-VLSFO. The move may seem unusual given that a large share of UCO/UCOME feedstock originates from China. However, suppliers may be prioritising sales of conventional VLSFO to capitalise on the current price spike before offering biofuel blends, a trader explained. Elsewhere in the region, Port Klang continues to report generally adequate VLSFO availability, particularly for smaller prompt stems. However, LSMGO supply has tightened in the port, while HSFO availability remains limited, making both grades more difficult to secure. East Asia Bunker prices in Zhoushan have continued to firm as escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East drive Brent crude higher and disrupt trade flows through the Strait of Hormuz, a key artery for global oil shipments. The resulting uncertainty has tightened fuel availability across all grades in the port, lending further support to rising prices, a source said. Supply pressures have also extended delivery schedules. Recommended lead times for both VLSFO and LSMGO have increased to around 5–10 days, up from 3–5 days last week. HSFO supply appears particularly tight, with most suppliers running low on inventories and refraining from offering any lead time indications for the grade, the source added. Supply conditions vary across northern China. Dalian and Qingdao report adequate availability of VLSFO and LSMGO, although HSFO remains limited in Qingdao. Tianjin is experiencing tight supply across all grades. In Shanghai, VLSFO and HSFO stocks are constrained, while LSMGO availability remains relatively stable. Further south, supply pressures are evident in several ports. Fuzhou is facing tight availability of both VLSFO and LSMGO. Xiamen reports sufficient VLSFO stocks, though LSMGO supply remains restricted. Delivery schedules in Yangpu and Guangzhou are also tight for both grades. In Hong Kong, bunker supply conditions have remained broadly steady, with recommended lead times holding at around seven days for all grades in recent weeks. In Taiwan, supply has so far seen only “a slight impact,” though it could affect “availability in near future.”