Container shipping fuel prices remain high at $908 per ton in Singapore
In Singapore, VLSFO was assessed at about $908 per metric ton this week, while marine gasoil reached $1,448 per ton and high-sulphur fuel oil stood at roughly $770 per ton. Singapore VLSFO rose from $433.50 per ton on January 1 to $878.50 by September 11, a gain of more than 100%. At Rotterdam, VLSFO was about $731 per ton, compared with $804 per ton in Houston and $1,005 per ton in Fujairah.
Bunkering activity at Fujairah has recovered to about 40% of its prewar level, but remains below normal. The St. Louis Fed estimated that the 2026 fuel shock raised the cost of a China–U.S. West Coast voyage from $155 to $269 per 20‑foot container for a newer ship, and from $360 to $626 for an older vessel. Ship & Bunker raised its Q4 forecast for a 20‑port VLSFO benchmark to $758 per ton, up from a prior $646 per ton, and projects Singapore VLSFO to average $720 per ton.
Industry executives said the outright bunker shortage seen in March and April has eased, and operators no longer struggle to source marine fuel at key hubs. Market observers estimate that 10 to 15 commodity vessels a day still use the Omani corridor on the southern side of the Strait of Hormuz, though transits fell to single digits during the past weekend.
What we know
Singapore VLSFO assessed at about $908 per metric ton this week
Singapore VLSFO rose from $433.50 per ton on Jan. 1 to $878.50 per ton by Sept. 11, increase >100%
Bunkering activity at Fujairah recovered to about 40% of prewar level
St. Louis Fed estimated 2026 fuel shock raised China–US West Coast voyage cost from $155 to $269 per 20‑ft container for newer ship and $360 to $626 for older vessel
Ship & Bunker raised Q4 forecast for 20‑port VLSFO benchmark to $758 per ton from prior $646