ENGINE: East of Suez Bunker Fuel Availability Outlook in International Shipping News 08/04/2026 Singapore and Malaysia “Prices are still affected by Middle East crisis,” a Singapore-based trader said. Bunker prices in Singapore have remained firm, largely supported by ongoing tensions in the Middle East. These tensions have buoyed Brent crude prices and disrupted flows through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global oil trade. In the prompt market, VLSFO continues to face pressure, with recommended lead times now at 6–11 days, compared to 10–12 days last week. HSFO availability remains constrained within a 7–10-day range, down from 9–13 days previously. LSMGO lead times have eased slightly to around 2–6 days, compared with 5–8 days last week. At Port Klang, VLSFO availability is relatively stable, particularly for smaller prompt stems. However, LSMGO supply has tightened, while HSFO availability remains limited, making both grades increasingly difficult to secure. East Asia In Zhoushan, availability across all fuel grades has tightened, with most suppliers running low on stocks due to cargo delays, a source said. Lead times have lengthened to 7–10 days for VLSFO and 5–10 days for both LSMGO and HSFO, up sharply from last week’s typical 3–5 days across all grades. Across northern China, supply conditions vary. Dalian and Qingdao have adequate VLSFO and LSMGO availability, although HSFO remains limited in Qingdao. Tianjin is facing tight supply across all grades, while in Shanghai, VLSFO and HSFO stocks are constrained, with LSMGO availability relatively steady. Further south, tighter conditions continue. Fuzhou is experiencing limited availability of both VLSFO and LSMGO. Xiamen has sufficient 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 remains mostly unaffected by Middle East tensions, though prices have reacted sharply. Volatility in Brent crude, driven by regional tensions, has significantly influenced bunker markets, a Taiwan-based trader noted. Recommended lead times for VLSFO and MGO in Keelung, Taichung, Kaohsiung and Hualien are currently around two days. In South Korea’s southern ports—including Busan, Ulsan, Masan, Onsan, Yeosu and Kwangyang—lead times for all fuel grades have extended to around 4–5 days, up from 2–3 days the previous week. At western ports such as Incheon, Daesan, Dangjin, Pyeongtaek and Taean, lead times stand at about four days, compared to 2–4 days last week. HSFO had been subject to availability during the previous week. Elevated bunker prices have weakened buying interest across South Korean ports, resulting in softer demand, a trader noted. The ongoing Middle East crisis is expected to affect most South Korean suppliers, although one supplier may be less impacted due to its affiliation with a Saudi Arabian oil major, the source added. Weather conditions continue to disrupt operations. Potential delays are expected to affect Busan and Ulsan between 9–11 April, and Yeosu and Daesan on 9 April. In Japan, the bunker market remains extremely tight amid Middle East tensions and shifts in crude procurement, with spot supply west of Hanshin virtually unavailable. However, temporary refinery issues have slightly eased HSFO availability, according to a Japan-based trader. Suppliers are quoting discreetly, w