Bunker fuel availability in key East of Suez ports, specifically Singapore and Malaysia, continues to be constrained. Lead times for Very Low Sulphur Fuel Oil (VLSFO) in Singapore have stretched to 13-17 days, indicating persistent supply challenges. This situation is largely driven by low stock levels held by most suppliers in the region.
Further compounding the issue are delays in cargo arrivals, which market sources attribute to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. These disruptions are creating additional pressure on the already tight bunker market.
For freight forwarders and operations managers, this sustained tightness in bunker fuel availability means potential increases in bunkering costs and longer waiting times for vessels. This could impact vessel schedules and overall transit times, particularly for routes passing through or originating from the East of Suez region. Forwarders should anticipate potential surcharges from carriers reflecting higher fuel costs and factor in possible delays when planning shipments.