Global bunker prices edge higher as market remains broadly stable

Weekly evolution of the MABUX World Bunker Index (USD/MT) for 13–20 May 2026, showing four fuels: 380 HSFO (blue) ends at 791.75, VLSFO (green) 952.60, MGO LS (orange) 1,418.39.

Global bunker prices edged higher this week, although the wider bunker market remained broadly stable with limited fluctuations and no clear directional trend.

MABUX reported gains across the main fuel indexes. The 380 HSFO index rose by USD 16.69 to USD 791.75/MT, moving close to the USD 800 mark. VLSFO increased by USD 8.91 to USD 952.60/MT, while MGO LS posted a smaller rise of USD 1.96 to USD 1,418.39/MT.

The MABUX Global Scrubber Spread narrowed by USD 7.78 to USD 160.85, but remained well above the USD 100 breakeven threshold for scrubber economics. In Rotterdam, the spread was almost unchanged at USD 74.00, while Singapore widened by USD 8.00 to USD 158.00.

Regional pricing remained uneven. The Istanbul ECA Spread fell by USD 25.00 to USD 50.00, staying below the USD 100 threshold, while Venice ECA calculations remained unavailable due to a lack of regular quotations.

Energy markets continued to influence bunker sentiment. European gas storage levels recovered slightly, while the TTF benchmark moved higher. LNG bunker fuel in Sines also rose sharply to USD 1,209/MT.

MABUX expects bunker indices to continue moving in a volatile and irregular pattern, with geopolitical risks and possible supply disruptions likely to keep prices sensitive.

Source: MABUX

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