Singapore lead times stretch further as Fujairah VLSFO eases

Singapore has tightened again, according to the ENGINE East of Suez outlook published on 13 October. Demand is only average, yet suppliers recommend 11-18 days for VLSFO, up from 10-15 days a week before. Most suppliers still hold low stocks, and a Singapore source said late cargo arrivals linked to the Middle East conflict are making things worse.

HSFO follows the same pattern, with recommended lead times now 11-17 days against 10-15 days the previous week. LSMGO is the easiest grade to get, but even there the advice has moved from 5-7 days up to 6-9 days. Nearby Port Klang in Malaysia offers little relief: prompt VLSFO is especially hard to find, and LSMGO and HSFO are also short.

Fujairah is moving the other way for VLSFO. A regional source said availability there has improved, even though traffic through the Strait of Hormuz is still disrupted by US-Iran tensions. LSMGO and HSFO in Fujairah remain limited.

For a buyer, this means:

• Singapore calls need orders placed more than two weeks ahead for VLSFO or HSFO, and about a week for LSMGO.
• Fujairah is worth checking for VLSFO stems, but confirm LSMGO and HSFO early.
• Port Klang is not a reliable backup for prompt VLSFO right now.