ENGINE: East of Suez Bunker Fuel Availability Outlook in International Shipping News 25/03/2026 Singapore and Malaysia Bunker prices in Singapore have remained firm, largely driven by escalating tensions in the Middle East. The situation has kept Brent crude prices firm and disrupted trade flows through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical corridor for global oil shipments. In the prompt market, VLSFO remains under pressure with lead times of 8–11 days, while HSFO availability continues to be restricted within a 9–16 day range, largely unchanged week-on-week. Singapore’s LSMGO price has edged lower this week but remains elevated, supported by tight supply, steady demand and firm gasoil cargo prices. Some bunker suppliers are applying premiums to take advantage of prevailing conditions. At the same time, supply disruptions and uncertainty in Fujairah have redirected LSMGO demand towards alternative hubs such as Singapore, according to a source. Concerns over securing future gasoil import cargoes into Singapore have added further upward pressure. Meanwhile, the port’s middle distillate stocks averaged 12% lower so far in February. Lead times for LSMGO have widened from 6–9 days last week to 5–12 days currently. On the other hand, Singapore’s residual fuel oil inventories have averaged 4% higher so far this month compared to February, according to Enterprise Singapore data. Fuel oil stocks remain above 23 million bbls, supported by a sharp 43% increase in net imports in March. Total imports have risen by 1.13 million bbls, while exports have declined by 271,000 bbls. At Port Klang, VLSFO availability remains relatively stable, particularly for smaller prompt stems. However, LSMGO supply has tightened, and HSFO availability continues to be limited, making both grades increasingly difficult to secure. East Asia Bunker prices across most Chinese ports have climbed sharply, closely following the rise in crude prices amid escalating tensions in the Middle East—particularly around the Strait of Hormuz. In response, China “imposed a ban on refined fuel exports in March to avoid a potential domestic fuel shortage arising from Middle East tensions,” a source said. Despite this move, fuel availability across all grades remains steady, according to a Zhoushan-based trader. Most suppliers are now advising lead times of 3–5 days for all grades, easing from 5–10 days last week. Supply conditions vary across northern China. Dalian and Qingdao report sufficient availability of VLSFO and LSMGO, although HSFO remains limited in Qingdao. In Tianjin, supply is tight across all grades, while in Shanghai, both VLSFO and HSFO stocks are constrained, with LSMGO availability relatively stable. Further south, supply pressures are more pronounced. VLSFO and LSMGO are tight in Fuzhou, while Xiamen has adequate VLSFO but limited LSMGO supply. Both grades remain constrained in Yangpu and Guangzhou. In Hong Kong, bunker availability is largely stable, with lead times holding at around seven days for all grades in recent weeks. In Taiwan, bunker supply has not been significantly affected by Middle East tensions, although there has been a slight increase in bunker calls. Prices, however, have reacted more strongly, as the Brent volatility linked to Middle East tensions has significantly influenced bunker prices, a trader said. Recommended lead times for VLSFO and MGO in Keelung, Taichung and Hualien are around two days, while deliveries in Kaohsiung require approximately thre