Singapore  bunker  fuel  suppliers  are  not optimistic about the outlook for sales in the third 

quarter with demand shifting to East Asian ports. 

A  number of them said  that July sales were likely be only marginally higher from June, and 

they were not too positive about August and September either. 

Traders  estimated  that  more than 1 million mt of fuel oil from the Middle East would reach 

Singapore in August -- more than double from July and bringing total imports to 5 million mt, 

up from 3 million-4 million mt in July. 

The market could see some aggressive offers as a result, sources said. 

"Nowadays, there is no premium for prompt deliveries, delivered price is not great. I think thi

s month will be tough for everyone," said a trader. 

Bunker  sales  in  June  at  the  port  of Singapore totaled 3.84 million mt, the lowest monthly 

volume year to date and down 6.1% year on year. It was also down 8.2% from May. 

In a further sign of a weakening market, ex-wharf 380 CST bunker term offers for August wer

e heard  at a  premium  of $2-$3/mt to the Mean of Platts Singapore 380 CST high sulfur fuel 

oil assessments. 

In  contrast,  July  ex-wharf  380  CST bunker  deals  were inked at a premium of $4-$4.50/mt 

MOPS 380 CST HSFO assessments. 

"It's  a buyers'  market now. Sellers are keen to move bigger volumes at low prices, and that's 

not a good sign," a local supplier said.