You are using an outdated browser For a better experience using this site, please upgrade to a modern web browser. Subscribe Get Daily Email Subscribe --> Contact Us Sign in Home News & Features Compliance Costs Bunker Prices Bunker Intelligence World News Latest Features World Americas EMEA Asia/Pacific Home News & Features World INTERVIEW: Middle East Conflict Brings Boost to Bunker Trader Salaries INTERVIEW: Middle East Conflict Brings Boost to Bunker Trader Salaries by Jack Jordan, Editorial Lead - Insights, Ship & Bunker Monday July 27, 2026 Tweet Follow @shipandbunker Vernon Jayanathan is director of Maritime Recruitment Company Ltd. Image Credit: Vernon Jayanathan Conflict in the Middle East is delivering an increase in compensation offers in the bunker market for bunker traders as the volatile oil market raises margins. Bunker companies sitting on increased profits because of volatility in the market are raising salary offers for experienced traders in particular, Vernon Jayanathan , director of Maritime Recruitment Company Ltd , said in an interview with Ship & Bunker . "Salaries have increased mostly in Southeast Asia, where it's up by nearly 30%, and in Europe by roughly 30%," Jayanathan said. "For experienced traders, it's very competitive. “ For experienced traders, it's very competitive "There's demand for seniors who have the relationships, who have the experience, who have the cool heads, and they can command high salaries. "At the same time, firms are seeing the value of them, so they're doing their best to retain them." Demand for traders in the Middle East remains strong despite the war in Iran stymying supply in the region. "For seniors it is, for very senior people who are insiders in the region," Jayanathan said. "People who have the network, have the knowledge, have the relationship; that's particularly important in the Middle East. Junior Bunker Traders The hiring of junior bunker traders has also increased.  Schemes like