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The port of Singapore recorded the best March bunker sales figure in its history last month with 4,341,900 tonnes delivered, beating the previous record of 4,149,800 tonnes (in March 2016) by 192,100 tonnes, or 4.6 percent, according to data released by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA).

In comparison with the previous month, total sales at the world's leading bunker port rose by 495,500 tonnes, or 12.9 percent, up from 3,846,400 tonnes in February.

Overall bunker sales for the first quarter of 2017 were 12,650,500 tonnes, which represents an increase of 826,200 tonnes, or 7.0 percent, compared to 2016 (11,824,300 tonnes). It is the highest figure ever recorded for the first three months of the year and the first time that more than 12 million tonnes have been sold between January and March. It is also the largest amount sold in any three-month period - surpassing the 12,623,200 tonnes sold between March and May 2016.

If at least the same amount were to be sold during the next three quarters, then Singapore would surpass 50 million tonnes during a calendar year for the first time.

Singapore also recorded its best ever March result for 380 centistoke (cSt) - the port's best-selling bunker grade - with sales of 3,269,900 tonnes. Month-on-month, 380 cSt sales were up 351,500 tonnes, or 12.0 percent. In a comparison with last year, the figure was higher by 139,900 tonnes, or 4.5 percent.

Deliveries of 500 cSt increased by 130,400 tonnes, or 18.3 percent, to 841,700 tonnes compared to February. In a year-on-year comparison, volumes were 49,400 tonnes, or 6.2 percent, higher. It was also the best March sales figure in the port's history.

Sales of low-sulphur marine gas oil (MGO LS) rose last month to 114,300 tonnes - the best figure for March and the third-biggest amount ever recorded in Singapore.