The availability of bunker fuels in Singapore and Malaysia is experiencing varied shifts. Very Low Sulphur Fuel Oil (VLSFO) supply in Singapore continues to be restricted, with suppliers now quoting lead times of 8-14 days, a slight improvement from the previous 10-15 days. High Sulphur Fuel Oil (HSFO) availability has also shown a marginal improvement, with lead times reducing to 5-12 days from an earlier 10-15 days.
In contrast, the supply of Low Sulphur Marine Gasoil (LSMGO) has tightened considerably. Recommended lead times for LSMGO have extended, indicating increased difficulty in securing this fuel promptly.
For freight forwarders and operations managers, these shifts mean continued vigilance in planning vessel bunkering schedules, particularly for VLSFO and LSMGO. While VLSFO lead times have slightly shortened, they remain significant, requiring advance planning. The tightening LSMGO supply could lead to potential delays or necessitate alternative bunkering strategies, potentially impacting vessel schedules and operational costs in a key global bunkering hub.