Bunker prices spike 7.2 percent as weekly schedule tightens

Bunker fuel prices in Nueva Singapur rose 7.2 percent overnight to 687 florins per metric tonne, the highest level since March. The surge follows a supply shortage in the regional market and new tariffs on fuel imports announced by a neighbouring free-trade zone. Three large container vessels — the MV Meridian Star, the Pacifica Dawn, and the Nueva Esperanza — are scheduled to dock at the deep-water berth between Friday evening and Sunday morning, compressing the weekly refuelling window.

Port Authority operations managers are coordinating with bunker suppliers to stagger refuelling schedules and avoid queue delays. Shipping lines are absorbing the cost increase rather than passing surcharges to customers, according to representatives from two major carriers who requested anonymity. The price spike is expected to ease by mid-week as supply contracts reset.