Singapore bunker industry faces volatile barging cost.

The bunker industry in Singapore should brace itself for volatile barging costs once the International Maritime Organization's tighter sulfur limit rule is implemented in 2020, a development which could further squeeze barge companies who are already facing tough market conditions.

The IMO rule will cap global sulfur content in marine fuels at 0.5% starting January 1, 2020, compared with 3.5% currently. Barge operators will need to cater to a range of marine fuels including high sulfur, low sulfur and...