Panelists at APPEC 2026 in Singapore, including executives from Equinor, Mitsui OSK Lines, and SocarTrading, stated that the complexity of global oil trade is likely to persist as a structural feature, even if geopolitical disruptions eventually subside. They highlighted that additional layers of risk in shipping, compliance, insurance, and financing are now deeply embedded in physical oil trading.
This development suggests that the era of straightforward oil logistics, primarily driven by price, is over. The current environment, shaped by various global events, has introduced enduring challenges that will continue to influence how oil is transported and traded worldwide.
For freight forwarders and logistics managers, this implies a continued need for enhanced due diligence and risk management in oil-related shipments. The embedded complexities could lead to higher operational costs, increased insurance premiums, and more stringent compliance requirements. Forwarders should anticipate potential routing changes, longer transit times, and a greater emphasis on secure and compliant supply chain solutions, even if major geopolitical flashpoints cool down. The market will likely remain sensitive to any shifts in regulatory frameworks or insurance stipulations.
The experts generally agreed that price alone would no longer be the sole determinant in oil trade decisions, with risk and compliance factors playing an increasingly significant role.
