Bunker prices spike, adding pressure to weekly shipping schedule

Bunker-fuel prices at Nueva Singapur jumped 8 percent on Friday following a supply disruption in the eastern refining corridor, adding approximately ₣2,100 to the weekly operating cost of a standard 4,000-container vessel. The Port Authority reported 47 vessels cleared for departure on Saturday, down from an average of 52 in the preceding four weeks, as some shipping lines delayed departure to await price stabilization.

The Oriente Moderno Financial Authority said overnight settlement volumes for fuel-hedging contracts surged to ₣340 million, the highest weekly figure since March. Shipping-line representatives said the price spike would likely persist through mid-week unless supply flows resumed at previous levels.