Singapore bunker fuel oil prices were mostly steady on Wednesday, supported by higher cargo and crude prices, while South Korean and Thai prices fell on thin demand, traders said.
In Singapore, traders put 380-centistoke (cst) prices at $168/$169 a tonne, mostly steady from Tuesday. One deal for ex-wharf 380-cst was heard done at $166 a tonne, they said.
An independent dealer said buy inquiries were low at 3,000 to 5,000 tonnes.
Hong Kong bunker traders said they saw good demand from vessels avoiding higher prices in Taiwan.
Hong Kong 380-cst was pegged at $185 a tonne, $4 below south Taiwan prices in Kaohsiung. Loss of trade to Hong Kong has seen Taiwan prices ease over the last week, narrowing the price spread between the ports from $17 a tonne last week.
In South Korea prices for 380-cst supply fell nearly $6 a tonne from a week ago to $176.50 on thinning demand. Bangkok prices eased to $184 a tonne from $186 a week ago.