Asia/Pacific News
VPS Finds Elevated Shale Oil Components in Singapore VLSFO
Global testing firm Veritas Petroleum Services (VPS) has identified increased levels of shale oil-derived components in some VLSFO supplied in Singapore.
Analysis of around 90,000 mt of fuel delivered in February and March 2026 found compounds consistent with Estonian shale oil streams, which can destabilise fuel and lead to sludge formation and filter blockages, it said in an emailed update on Wednesday.
Fuel samples showed phenolic compounds, including resorcinol and alkyl benzenediols, at 4,000-13,200 ppm, with acid numbers ranging from 1.98 to 2.34 mgKOH/g, approaching the ISO 8217 limit.
Despite no reported operational issues from vessels using these fuels, VPS has urged caution, warning of potential delayed impacts linked to fuel stability and composition.
The firm said such fuels, while compliant on delivery, may still pose longer-term risks including sludge formation, purifier fouling and impacts on fuel injection performance.
VPS advised enhanced monitoring, careful fuel management and continued sampling, adding it will track developments as further feedback emerges.
Key Bunker Prices More
| VLSFO | MGO | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $/mt | +/- | $/mt | +/- | |
| Singapore | 867.50 | 10.00 | 1869.50 | 48.00 |
| Rotterdam | 749.00 | 11.00 | 1366.50 | 22.00 |
| Houston | 895.00 | 12.50 | 1267.00 | 75.50 |
| Fujairah | 869.00 | 21.50 | 1730.00 | 27.00 |
| APAC Average | 1036.50 | 2.00 | 1882.50 | 12.50 |
| Global 20 Ports Average | 965.00 | 6.50 | 1694.00 | 3.00 |
| Global 4 Ports Average | 845.00 | 7.50 | 1558.50 | 19.00 |
| Global Average Bunker Price | 1007.50 | 0.50 | 1649.00 | 50.00 |
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