ENGINE: East of Suez Bunker Fuel Availability Outlook in International Shipping News 29/04/2026 Singapore and Malaysia VLSFO delivery schedules in Singapore have stretched further, now ranging between 7-15 days, compared to 5-12 days previously. HSFO lead times have also lengthened to 7-12 days from last week’s 5-10-day window. LSMGO availability has tightened as well, with lead times extending to 6-9 days, up from 2-7 days. Singapore’s residual fuel oil inventories have trended lower, averaging 5% below March levels so far in April, according to Enterprise Singapore. Fuel oil inventories have dipped under 23 million bbls, amid a sharp 48% decline in net imports during the month. Imports have fallen by 1.62 million bbls, while exports have risen by 664,000 bbls. In contrast, middle distillate inventories have averaged 20% higher during the same period, climbing to their highest point since June. At Malaysia’s Port Klang, VLSFO supply remains relatively stable, especially for smaller prompt volumes. Tighter conditions persist for LSMGO, while HSFO availability continues to face constraints, making both grades increasingly difficult to secure. East Asia Availability in Zhoushan has tightened across all fuel grades, with several suppliers reporting low stocks. VLSFO now requires lead times of 8-10 days, while LSMGO and HSFO deliveries require 6-9 days. This marks a clear increase from last week, when lead times across all grades stood at 3-7 days, according to a source. Bunker demand in China is expected to soften over the Chinese Labour Day holiday period from 1-5 May. Most suppliers are unlikely to accept new orders during this window, with 29 April effectively serving as the final booking date for stems scheduled within the holiday period at most ports, another source said. Supply conditions across northern China remain uneven. Dalian and Qingdao have sufficient stocks of VLSFO and LSMGO, though HSFO remains tight in Qingdao. Bunker supply is tight across all grades in Tianjin. VLSFO and HSFO availability is constrained in Shanghai, while LSMGO supply is comparatively steady. Further south, availability of both VLSFO and LSMGO is limited in Fuzhou. Xiamen has adequate VLSFO stocks but limited LSMGO volumes. In Yangpu and Guangzhou, both grades continue to face tight supply conditions. In Hong Kong, bunker availability remains broadly stable, with lead times for all grades holding at around seven days in recent weeks. Taiwan’s bunker market remains steady, according to local sources. Lead times are approximately two days for both VLSFO and LSMGO at Keelung and Hualien, extending slightly to around three days at Taichung and Kaohsiung. In South Korea’s southern ports – Busan, Ulsan, Masan, Onsan, Yeosu and Kwangyang – recommended lead times for both VLSFO and LSMGO have extended to around 3-5 days, compared to 2-3 days last week. Across western ports, including Incheon, Daesan, Dangjin, Pyeongtaek and Taean, lead times have lengthened to about five days, up from the previous 2-3-day range. HSFO availability has tightened significantly on both coasts and is now largely offered on an enquiry basis, versus firmer 2-3-day supply last week. Weather-related disruptions continue to pose risks. Delays are expected in Busan and Ulsan around 2 May, in Yeosu between 1-3 May, and in Daesan from 3-4 May. In Japan, supply conditions show slight improvement for VLSFO and HSFO in parcel sizes of 200-500 mt across key hubs such as Tokyo Bay, Nagoya and Os