ENGINE: East of Suez Bunker Fuel Availability Outlook in International Shipping News 04/03/2026 Singapore and Malaysia In Singapore, VLSFO requires lead times of about 7–11 days, slightly extended compared with last week’s 6–10 days. LSMGO suppliers are typically advising 4–11 days, slightly wider than the 4–9 days seen previously. HSFO lead times are indicated at 8–11 days, versus 6–12 days a week earlier. Over the weekend, US and Israeli forces conducted a joint strike on Iran that killed the Islamic Republic’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iran retaliated with direct attacks on Gulf states, including the UAE and Saudi Arabia, and caused disruptions to traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. While supply conditions in Singapore remain unaffected, the geopolitical escalation has driven a sharp rally in Brent crude, lifting bunker prices in its wake. “Across the grades, premiums are up,” a Singapore-based trader said. Singapore’s VLSFO price jumped by nearly $80/mt over the weekend, to reach $589/mt. Elsewhere in the region, Port Klang reports generally sufficient availability of VLSFO and LSMGO—particularly for smaller prompt stems—though HSFO supply remains constrained and more difficult to secure. East Asia Bunker availability across all grades in Zhoushan remains solid, a source said. Lead times for VLSFO and LSMGO are steady at 3–5 days, unchanged from last week. HSFO supply has improved, with lead times tightening to 3–5 days from 5–7 days previously. As in Singapore, the Middle East crisis has not yet disrupted physical supply in Zhoushan. However, one source cautioned that prices “will be higher” at the port. Zhoushan’s VLSFO price jumped by $78/mt over the weekend, to $592/mt. Across northern China, supply conditions are uneven. Dalian and Qingdao report sufficient volumes of VLSFO and LSMGO, though HSFO remains constrained in Qingdao. Tianjin is seeing tight availability across all grades. In Shanghai, VLSFO HSFO supplies are limited, while LSMGO availability is comparatively stable. In the south, Fuzhou is experiencing tight supply of both VLSFO and LSMGO. Xiamen has adequate VLSFO stocks, but LSMGO remains restricted. Delivery schedules in Yangpu and Guangzhou are also constrained for both grades. In Hong Kong, bunker lead times remain around seven days for all grades, broadly unchanged in recent weeks. In Taiwan, a trader reported “no significant impact” on supply. However, the Brent surge triggered by the Middle East escalation has “influenced” pricing considerably over the weekend. Kaohsiung’s VLSFO price rose by $48/mt, to $575/mt. Lead times for VLSFO and LSMGO in Keelung and Hualien are about two days, while Kaohsiung and Taichung continue to recommend slightly longer lead times of around three days. In South Korea, most suppliers are advising lead times of 5–7 days across all bunker grades, compared with a broader 3–8-day range last week. Seasonal winter conditions continue to raise the risk of operational disruptions. Weather-related delays could affect Busan and Ulsan between 3–8 March, Yeosu from 6–8 March, and Daesan over 6–8 March. Suppliers in the country are “carefully monitoring the situation. Premiums jumped a lot, but their producing schedule will not be affected because they have enough reserves at the moment. However, for sure it will cause problem if the war goes on,” one supplier said. In Japan, VLSFO supply remains comfortable at major hubs such as Tokyo, Chiba, Yokohama and Kawasaki. Availabili