Marine fuel sales in Singapore rebounded sharply in May, hitting a 16-month high with 4.88 million metric tons sold. This marks a 10.8% month-over-month increase and a 1.1% rise year-over-year, according to the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore.
The surge was largely driven by increased vessel arrivals for container movements and bunkering. Analysts attribute part of this rise to a spike in container throughput, likely triggered by front-loaded shipments following a tariff pause on May 12.
Singapore handled 3.83 million TEUs in May, a 5.5% month-on-month increase. Vessel calls for bunker also rose, edging up 3.8% to 3,637 calls during the same period.
Despite the rise in total volume, some suppliers reported lower individual sales and noted softening bunker premiums in Q2. A fuel oil trader described market sentiment as cautious, with bunker prices rising alongside crude oil in recent weeks.
The mainstay 0.5% VLSFO grade saw a 9.7% jump to 2.45 million tons in May, while high-sulphur fuel oil climbed 11.3% to 1.89 million tons. Marine gasoil sales also rose, reaching 344,100 tons, a 9.3% monthly increase.
Alternative fuels gained traction as well, with biofuel-blended sales jumping 26.8% to 140,800 tons. LNG bunker sales saw modest growth at 7.2%, totaling 45,000 tons.
Singapore’s bunker market continues to reflect global trends—rising demand, cautious buyers, and growing interest in alternative fuels. As the world’s top bunkering hub, its performance is a critical indicator of broader shipping industry dynamics.
