Why Singapore is the Asian benchmark
Singapore handles more than 50 million metric tons of bunker sales annually, more than any other port. It is also where Platts publishes the Mean of Platts Singapore (MOPS) — the reference price against which most Asian refined products trade.
What flows through Singapore
- Marine bunkers (VLSFO, HSFO, LSMGO)
- Gasoil and diesel for Southeast Asian markets
- Jet A1 for the regional aviation hub
- Naphtha for petrochemical complexes
Storage and terminals
Vopak, Universal Terminal, Tankstore, Helios Terminal, and Jurong Port Tank Terminals form the core storage cluster. Tank-to-tank transfers are routine; vessel-to-vessel transfers in port limits are also common for bunker deliveries.
MPA licensing
The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) licenses bunker suppliers and physical traders. Always verify your counterparty appears on the current MPA bunker supplier list — this single check eliminates most fly-by-night operators in the bunker market.
Mass flow meter mandate
Singapore was the first major port to mandate Mass Flow Meters (MFMs) on all bunker barges, dramatically reducing quantity disputes. This is good for buyers — it means measurement is independently calibrated.
What scams look like
The classic Singapore scam is "off-spec MGO at deep discount". The fuel exists, but it does not meet ISO 8217 spec. The fix: independent inspection at loading, with samples sent to a licensed lab. MinePetro will not structure a Singapore-loading SPA without it.
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