Singapore, the world’s largest bunkering hub, sold 4.5 million tonnes of marine fuel in May 2026, marking a 6.8% year-on-year decline, according to Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore statistics released on June 15 [1, 2]. This drop exceeded April’s 1.2% year-on-year decrease, when sales fell to 4.4 million tonnes—a 14-month low for the port [1, 2].
Although May’s marine fuel sales were lower compared to the previous year, they increased slightly from the prior month’s 4.4 million tonnes [1, 2]. The decline is attributed in part to the availability of cheaper bunker fuel in China, which has diverted some demand away from Singapore’s bunkering market [1, 2]. Despite falling prices, bunker fuel costs remain significantly higher than levels before the Middle East conflict began, sustaining some price pressure on ship operators [1, 2].
The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore’s report confirms the ongoing challenges faced by the city-state’s marine fuel sector amid regional competition and global fuel price volatility [1, 2]. The next scheduled release of port bunkering sales data is expected in mid-July, which will provide further insights into market trends for June.
