Singapore VLSFO and HSFO lead times settle at 13-15 days

Bunker supply in Singapore is still tight, according to the Engine East of Suez outlook of 3 November. Cargoes are arriving late and loading terminals are congested, and both are holding back prompt supply.

VLSFO and HSFO lead times now sit at around 13-15 days for each grade. A week earlier the advice ranged from about 13 days to more than three weeks, so the range has narrowed, but the short end has not moved. LSMGO has eased a little: the advice was 9-11 days last week and is now 8-10 days.

Other East of Suez ports look uneven:

• Tianjin is short of all three main grades, and Shanghai still has limited VLSFO and HSFO.
• Qingdao has enough VLSFO and LSMGO, but HSFO is tight there.
• Fujairah VLSFO availability has improved despite disrupted traffic through Hormuz, while LSMGO and HSFO stay limited.
• At Omani ports such as Salalah, Sohar and Duqm, LSMGO can usually be arranged in 2-3 days, though heavy traffic at Duqm may affect schedules.

For a buyer, the practical point is timing. A vessel due in Singapore within two weeks that still needs VLSFO or HSFO should send the enquiry now. Keep a fallback port in mind if dates slip. Gasoil remains the easier grade to fix at short notice.