ENGINE: East of Suez Bunker Fuel Availability Outlook in International Shipping News 01/04/2026 Singapore and Malaysia Bunker prices in Singapore have stayed firm, largely underpinned by ongoing tensions in the Middle East. These tensions have supported Brent crude prices and disrupted flows through the Strait of Hormuz, a key artery for global oil trade. In the prompt market, VLSFO remains under pressure, with lead times extending to 10–12 days, from 8–11 days last week. HSFO availability is still constrained within a 9–13-day range, compared with 9–16 days previously. LSMGO prices in Singapore continue to hold at elevated levels, driven by tight supply, steady demand and firm gasoil cargo values. Some suppliers are charging premiums to capitalise on market conditions. At the same time, disruptions and uncertainty in Fujairah have diverted LSMGO demand towards alternative hubs such as Singapore, a source said. Concerns over the availability of future gasoil import cargoes into Singapore are adding further upward pressure. The port’s middle distillate stocks have averaged 7% lower so far in March. LSMGO lead times have narrowed slightly to around 5–8 days, compared with 5–12 days last week. Meanwhile, Singapore’s residual fuel oil stocks have averaged 4% higher so far this month than in February, according to Enterprise Singapore. Inventories are holding at about 24 million bbls, supported by a sharp 51% increase in net fuel oil imports in March. Total imports have risen by 1.33 million bbls, while exports have fallen by 325,000 bbls. At Port Klang, VLSFO availability remains relatively stable, particularly for smaller prompt stems. However, LSMGO supply has tightened, and HSFO availability remains limited, making both grades increasingly difficult to secure. East Asia Bunker prices across most Chinese ports have held firm, tracking stronger crude values amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East—particularly around the Strait of Hormuz. In Zhoushan, fuel availability across all grades remains stable, with most suppliers still advising lead times of 3–5 days, unchanged from last week, a trader said. Supply conditions are mixed across northern China. Dalian and Qingdao have sufficient VLSFO and LSMGO availability, though HSFO remains limited in Qingdao. Tianjin is experiencing tight supply across all grades, while in Shanghai, VLSFO and HSFO stocks are constrained, with LSMGO availability comparatively steady. Further south, tighter conditions persist. Fuzhou is facing limited availability of both VLSFO and LSMGO. Xiamen has adequate VLSFO supply but restricted LSMGO volumes. In Yangpu and Guangzhou, both grades remain under pressure. In Hong Kong, bunker supply is largely stable, with lead times for all grades holding at around seven days in recent weeks. In Taiwan, supply has not been significantly affected by Middle East tensions. However, discussions are ongoing that state-owned CPC Corporation may introduce fuel rationing in April to cushion potential impacts from the crisis. Prices, meanwhile, have reacted more strongly. Volatility in Brent crude linked to Middle East tensions has significantly influenced bunker markets, a Taiwan-based trader said. Recommended lead times for VLSFO and MGO are about two days in Keelung and Hualien, while Taichung and Kaohsiung require slightly longer lead times of around three days. In South Korea’s southern ports—including Busan, Ulsan, Masan, Onsan, Yeosu and Kwangyang—HSFO supply remains tight, wit