Bunker Prices Stabilize as Route Talks Progress

Heavy fuel oil prices at Nueva Singapur's bunker market stabilized this week at 487 florins per tonne, a reversal of the month-long climb that has strained container-operator margins. The Oriente Moderno Financial Authority attributed the stability to trader confidence in the federal corridor talks, which have reduced perceived risk on the primary shipping route.

The Port Authority confirmed that vessel clearance times have remained at 8.2 hours average, unchanged from the previous week, despite the week-long talks in Meridian. Bunker suppliers report that larger operators are beginning to rebuild fuel inventories in anticipation of either a rate reduction or a faster transit time once the corridor agreement takes effect.