Bunker Global Open Directory News
2026-05-20MABUX: Global bunker indices to remain volatile without a firm trend on May 20.
The MABUX World Bunker Index — a composite benchmark reflecting daily prices for 380 HSFO, VLSFO, and MGO — recorded a moderate increase on May 19, marking the third consecutive day of gains across all fuel segments:
380 HSFO: USD/MT: 792.42 (+2.63)
VLSFO: USD/MT 952.02 (+2.20)
MGO: USD/MT 1 421.20 (+1.72)
As of May 19, the MABUX Market Differential Index (MDI), which measures the spread between Market Bunker Prices (MBP) and the MABUX Digital Bunker Benchmark (DBP) — indicated the following developments across the four major global bunkering hubs: Rotterdam, Singapore, Fujairah, and Houston:
• HSFO segment: All four hubs continued to be in the undercharge zone. The degree of underpricing widened by $14 in Rotterdam, $12 in Singapore, $8 in Fujairah, and $24 in Houston. Singapore’s MDI approached the $100 threshold, while Houston continued to remain firmly above this level.
• VLSFO segment: Fujairah remained the only overpriced port in this segment, with its premium increasing by $11. The other three hubs stayed underpriced, with discounts widening by $24 in Rotterdam and $21 in Houston, while narrowing by $6 in Singapore.
• MGO LS segment: Rotterdam, Singapore, and Houston continued to be undercharged. The underpricing ratio widened further by $31 in Rotterdam, $17 in Singapore, and $36 in Houston. Fujairah was the only overpriced port, though its premium declined by $27. MDI values in Rotterdam, Singapore and Fujairah continued to stay above the $100 mark.
The bunker market remains supported by persistently elevated geopolitical risk premiums in crude oil, ongoing concerns over potential disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, and uncertainty surrounding regional supply replacement flows. MABUX expects the global bunker indices to continue irregular movements without a clear directional trend on May 20: plus-minus 2-5 USD/MT, VLSFO: plus-minus 2–5 USD/MT, MGO LS: plus-minus 5–10 USD/MT.
www.mabux.com