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Singapore's high-sulfur marine fuel prices spike due to tight supply, say sources

Market sources say that spot premiums for 380 cst marine fuel with high sulphur in Singapore, the largest bunker hub in the world, have risen due to a shortage of the product for prompt deliveries.

Fuel prices are high in Singapore and other ports of the region due to the strength of the fuel price.

According to market sources, delivery dates in the first halves of October could command a premium of more than $60 per metric ton over Singapore cargo quotations this week. This is the highest delivered price basis in 2024.

Sources said that the majority of offers for dates in October's second half ranged from $25 to $35 per metric ton.

A Singapore-based marine oil trader stated that "the prompt dates are at crazy levels. They easily add another $20 or so."

Bunkering premiums remained stable despite the signs that fuel oil benchmarks were easing, leading to a decline in cargo rates for the second half October.

"The supply is still a little tight in the first half." A Singapore-based fuel trader stated that there are new cargoes on the way, but some sellers have decided to hold off and sell later.

The premiums were also supported by a steady demand for marine fuels high in sulphur, as the bunker volume for this grade has increased year on year, according to data from Singapore's port authority.

According to LSEG Oil Research's forecast, the September high-sulfur bunker sales volume is expected to be between 1.78 and 1.80 million metric tonnes, which is higher than the official August volume of 1.69 millions tons.

According to sources, the delivered bunker premium has also remained stable in recent days. It is largely in a range of $20 to $25 per tonne. (Reporting and editing by Jamie Freed; Jeslyn lerh)

(source: Reuters)