ENGINE: East of Suez Bunker Fuel Availability Outlook in International Shipping News 25/02/2026 Singapore and Malaysia In Singapore, VLSFO availability has improved marginally, with recommended lead times easing to 6–10 days, from 8–13 days last week. LSMGO lead times have also shortened, falling to 4–9 days from 8–12 days previously. HSFO now requires about 6–12 days, compared with 8–12 days last week. The modest improvement stems from softer demand during the Chinese New Year holiday period, which has reduced supply pressure, a source said. On the inventory front, Singapore’s residual fuel oil stocks have averaged 2% lower so far in February compared with January, according to Enterprise Singapore’s latest data. Total fuel oil inventories have dipped below 24 million bbls, amid a 13% drop in net fuel oil imports this month. Although imports have risen by 259,000 bbls, exports have increased more sharply, up by 680,000 bbls. In contrast, the port’s middle distillate inventories have averaged 5% higher so far this month, reaching their highest level since November. Elsewhere in the region, Port Klang reports generally adequate supply of VLSFO and LSMGO—particularly for smaller prompt stems—while HSFO availability remains tight and relatively harder to secure. East Asia Availability in Zhoushan has improved across all grades amid muted demand. Lead times for VLSFO and LSMGO have shortened to 3–5 days, compared with 7–10 days last week. HSFO now requires 5–7 days, down from 7–10 days previously. In Hong Kong, bunker lead times remain steady at around seven days for all grades, broadly unchanged in recent weeks. Taiwan’s lead times for VLSFO and LSMGO are also largely stable. Deliveries in Keelung and Hualien require about two days’ notice, while Kaohsiung and Taichung continue to advise slightly longer lead times of around three days. In South Korea, several suppliers are recommending lead times of 3–8 days across all bunker grades, almost unchanged from 3–7 days last week. In Japan, VLSFO availability remains ample at major ports including Tokyo, Chiba, Yokohama and Kawasaki. Supply is tighter in Nagoya, Yokkaichi, Mizushima and Tokuyama, where recommended lead times are holding at 7–10 days. LSMGO availability is generally steady nationwide, while B24-VLSFO can be supplied on request in Tokyo, Chiba and Yokohama. HSFO stocks are broadly stable across several ports. Oita reports sufficient availability of all three grades, and Kashima has adequate volumes of both VLSFO and HSFO. Bunkering activity in Japan is expected to slow on 20 March, due to the observance of Vernal Equinox Day. Oceania Bunker supply across Australia remains broadly stable. VLSFO and LSMGO are readily available nationwide, with standard lead times of around seven days. In Western Australia, suppliers in Kwinana and Fremantle are recommending roughly one week’s notice. Most deliveries are conducted by barge through a single supplier, while LSMGO can also be distributed by truck. Strong afternoon winds continue to disrupt schedules intermittently. In New South Wales, VLSFO is delivered by both truck and pipeline. Pipeline parcels typically begin at about 70 mt, with smaller volumes transported by truck. Sydney has one operational barge, alongside truck and limited pipeline options at selected berths. Delivery schedules are often adjusted to prioritise naval and cruise vessels. While VLSFO and LSMGO inventories are healthy, HSFO remains tight and generally requires seve