Singapore and Zhoushan Bunker Lead Times Amid Middle East Cargo Delays
Marine fuel markets across the East of Suez region face tightening availability and prolonged lead times, driven by regional conflicts and holiday slowdowns. According to an engine.online report by Tuhin Roy, Singapore’s bunker market remains constrained despite average to below-average demand, while Japanese ports grapple with supply shortages.
Low Stocks and Cargo Delays Strain Singapore Supply
In Singapore, recommended lead times for Very Low Sulfur Fuel Oil (VLSFO) hold firm at 10–15 days, largely unchanged from previous weeks. A Singapore-based source cited by engine.online attributes the strain to low supplier stocks and cargo arrival delays linked to ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. Other reports noted lead times of 10–15 days for VLSFO, down from 13–17 days the prior week, while others noted lead times reaching 12–15 days due to a scarcity of essential blending components and reduced regional refinery output. High Sulfur Fuel Oil (HSFO) supply in Singapore is similarly constrained, with lead times spanning 10–15 days. Low Sulfur Marine Gasoil (LSMGO) remains relatively healthy, though lead times have edged up to 5–7 days. At Malaysia’s Port Klang, prompt VLSFO, LSMGO, and HSFO supplies remain restricted across multiple grades.
Fuel Availability Remains Tight Across Chinese Ports
Bunker fuel availability remains tight across Zhoushan, China, despite muted demand. Several suppliers report low stock levels and delayed replenishment cargoes. Zhoushan has seen VLSFO lead times drop to roughly 12 days compared to 14 days last week, whereas LSMGO lead times climbed to 12 days from 10 days, and HSFO requirements now require about 15 days up slightly from 14 days. Other Chinese ports show mixed conditions: Dalian and Qingdao maintain sufficient VLSFO and LSMGO stocks, whereas Tianjin faces shortages across all major grades. Bunkering activity was expected to slow during the National Day Golden Week holiday from October 1 to October 7, with most ports closing stem orders for the holiday period by September 28.
South Korean Lead Times Fall as Weather Risks Rise
South Korean bunker availability has improved at southern ports such as Busan, Ulsan, Masan, Onsan, Yeosu, and Kwangyang, where lead times reduced to around 4–6 days from 5–11 days a week earlier due to subdued demand during public holidays like National Foundation Day and Hangeul Day. Western ports including Incheon and Daesan show a similar trend, with lead times at around 5–11 days. However, adverse weather conditions threaten to disrupt operations, with bunkering at Busan and Ulsan potentially affected on 6 October.
Japanese Spot Market Scarcity
Japan’s bunker market remains constrained. VLSFO, LSMGO, and HSFO supplies have grown scarcer at a number of Japanese locations, including Tokyo, Chiba, Kawasaki, Nagoya, Yokkaichi, Osaka, Kobe, Mizushima, Tokuyama, and Oita. According to a Japan-based trader cited by engine.online, refineries across Japan are still finalising and adjusting their October loading schedules, and the spot market remains extremely tight and volatile.
Middle East Volatility and Fujairah Restrictions
The Middle East market remains volatile. Supply is tight across grades in Fujairah. At Qatar’s Ras Laffan, availability of both VLSFO and LSMGO remains restricted. Port Suez in Egypt is facing critically depleted bunker inventories across all three standard fuel types, and Djibouti is likewise dealing with constrained supplies of the principal grades.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are bunker lead times extending in Singapore despite average demand?
According to a Singapore-based source cited by engine.online, suppliers are operating with low stock levels while cargo arrivals face delays from ongoing conflicts in the Middle East.
What is causing the fuel shortages at Japanese ports?
A Japan-based trader reported that refineries are still finalising and adjusting their October loading schedules, leaving the spot market extremely tight and volatile.
How have geopolitical tensions affected the region’s bunker market?
Delays in cargo arrivals due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East have strained availability in Singapore, while supply remains tight across grades in Fujairah.
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