Very Low Sulphur Fuel Oil (VLSFO) availability in Singapore has seen a significant tightening, with suppliers now quoting lead times of 16-20 days, an increase from the 14-19 days reported previously. This extended waiting period for bunkering operations is primarily due to the port's fuel oil inventories not having recovered to pre-conflict levels. Furthermore, the flow of cargo into Singapore is continuously being impacted by renewed hostilities between the United States and Iran, which are disrupting supply chains.
For freight forwarders and operations managers, this situation means potential delays in vessel schedules when bunkering in Singapore. Increased lead times for VLSFO could lead to higher operational costs if vessels need to wait longer or divert to alternative bunkering ports, impacting transit times and schedule reliability. Forwarders should advise carriers and shippers to factor in these extended lead times when planning voyages through the region, potentially exploring options for bunkering at other ports in Southeast Asia if feasible, or securing fuel well in advance.
