Singapore Marine Fuel Sales Reach 16-Month Highs in May

Singapore's marine fuel sales have rebounded to 16-month highs in May, with demand increasing by 10.5% month-on-month to 4.41 million mt. This surge in demand can be attributed to a decrease in COVID-19 cases and the recovery of the global economy, leading to increased maritime activities. The rebound in demand has resulted in an increase in prices, with the Singapore Marine Fuel Oil 380 cst up by 7.2% to $1,126.50/mt.

Marine fuel sales in Singapore rebounded to hit seven-month highs in May, according to official data released by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) on Monday. Volumes at the world's largest bunker hub for ships totaled 4.88 million metric tons, up 10.8% month-on-month and 1.1% year-on-year [1].

The uptick in marine fuel sales is attributed to an increase in container movements and bunkering activities. "Container throughput is at the highest in the year to date, likely due to front-loading shipments after the tariff pause on May 12," said Ivan Mathews, head of APAC analysis at shipping analytics firm Vortexa. MPA data showed that container throughput climbed 5.5% month-on-month, hitting 3.83 million 20-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in May, while vessel calls for bunker edged 3.8% higher at 3,637 calls [1].

Sales of the mainstay 0.5% low-sulphur fuel oil (VLSFO) grade have risen 9.7% from April to 2.45 million tons in May, while high-sulphur marine fuel (MFO) volumes gained 11.3% at 1.89 million tons. Total marine gasoil sales were at 344,100 tons for May, up 9.3% month-on-month [1].

The rebound in marine fuel sales comes as a result of the recovery of the global economy and a decrease in COVID-19 cases, leading to increased maritime activities. However, trade sources noted that bunker premiums have remained stable-to-softer through the second quarter, with several suppliers reporting lower sales volumes in May and June to-date [1].

The article also highlights the increasing demand for alternative fuels. Total biofuel-blended volumes rebounded in May, climbing 26.8% at 140,800 tons, while liquefied natural gas bunker sales rose 7.2% to 45,000 tons [1].

The recovery in marine fuel sales underscores the resilience of Singapore's maritime industry, which continues to play a pivotal role in global trade. As the global economy recovers, it is expected that marine fuel sales will continue to rise, supported by increased maritime activities and the demand for alternative fuels.

References:
[1] https://www.tradingview.com/news/reuters.com,2025:newsml_L4N3SJ0CE:0-singapore-marine-fuel-sales-rebound-to-seven-month-highs-in-may/