Katong Petrol Station Queues: Traffic Woes & Cheaper Fuel Draw Motorists

Long queues are forming at petrol stations across Singapore, particularly at Cynergy Dunman in Katong, following price increases announced by Shell, Esso and Caltex on March 16, 2026. The surge in demand at Cynergy Dunman, which opened in October 2025 taking over a former Shell station, is driven by its comparatively lower petrol prices, offering some relief to motorists amid broader fuel cost increases.

Traffic Disruption in Katong

The unusual activity isn’t going unnoticed by local residents. Traffic in the Katong area has been steadily building for about a week, with queues typically forming between 11 am and 2 pm, and again in the evenings, according to residents interviewed by AsiaOne. One resident, speaking on Carpmael Road, described difficulties entering and exiting their home due to the congestion. Bus services are also experiencing disruptions, with vehicles obstructed from accessing a nearby bus stop (82131). By 9 pm on March 16, queues stretched approximately 100 meters along Dunman Road, impacting traffic flow at the Ceylon Road junction.

Price Differential Drives Demand

The core of the issue is price. As of March 16, 95-octane petrol at Cynergy Dunman was priced at $2.41 per litre, significantly lower than the $3.47 offered by Shell, Esso, and Caltex (before any discounts). This difference is particularly attractive to private-hire vehicle (PHV) drivers, for whom fuel costs represent a substantial portion of their operating expenses. A PHV driver, identified as Tan, told AsiaOne that the savings could amount to around $10 per 10 litres of 95-octane petrol, a meaningful sum given current fare levels. Mothership.sg reported on the price sensitivity driving the queues.

Recent Price Hikes and Industry Response

The current situation follows a period of relative stability over the weekend. Shell initiated the latest round of price increases on Monday, March 16, raising prices for 95-, 98-octane, V-Power, and diesel by 7 cents per litre. Esso and Caltex followed suit later in the day, with adjustments varying slightly between the companies. Caltex increased 92- and 95-octane, and premium petrol by 2 cents each, while also raising its diesel price by 7 cents. A detailed price comparison as of 9 pm on March 16 is available from AsiaOne.

Broader Market Context and Geopolitical Factors

These price adjustments reach amid broader concerns about global oil supply. Brent crude rose to as high as US$106 on Monday, March 16, before settling back to US$102, potentially influenced by geopolitical tensions. Notably, former US President Donald Trump called for international support to secure the Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil transit route, highlighting ongoing regional instability. The situation underscores the vulnerability of Singapore, which imports nearly all of its oil, to fluctuations in the global energy market.

Consumer Association Calls for Transparency

The price increases have prompted calls for greater transparency from fuel companies. Melvin Yong, president of the Consumer Association of Singapore (CASE), recently urged companies to exercise “greater transparency and restraint” in their pricing decisions, following a previous series of price hikes the prior week. AsiaOne covered this call for increased accountability.

Operational Dynamics at Cynergy Dunman

Observations at Cynergy Dunman reveal a relatively efficient operation despite the long queues. AsiaOne reported that approximately eight cars were waiting in line during a 30-minute period, with each vehicle taking around four minutes to enter the station and being serviced in under five minutes. However, the sheer volume of traffic continues to create congestion in the surrounding residential area.

What’s Next: Monitoring Traffic and Potential Adjustments

The immediate focus will be on managing the traffic congestion in Katong. Local authorities may consider implementing temporary traffic control measures, such as additional signage or temporary yellow box junctions, to improve traffic flow. Fuel companies will likely continue to monitor global oil prices and adjust their pump prices accordingly. The long-term impact of Cynergy Dunman’s pricing strategy on the broader petrol market remains to be seen, but it has clearly introduced a new dynamic to Singapore’s fuel retail landscape. Further price adjustments from Shell, Esso, and Caltex are anticipated as global market conditions evolve.