Bunker traders are seeing significant salary increases as ongoing conflict in the Middle East drives volatility in oil markets, according to Vernon Jayanathan, director of Maritime Recruitment Company Ltd, speaking to Ship & Bunker.
According to Ship & Bunker, bunker companies benefiting from wider margins amid market volatility are raising compensation offers to attract and retain experienced traders. Jayanathan told the publication that salary increases have been most pronounced in Southeast Asia and Europe, both up by nearly 30%.
Senior Traders in High Demand
Jayanathan said competition for experienced traders has intensified, with firms placing a premium on individuals who bring established relationships, deep market knowledge, and composure during volatile conditions. “There’s demand for seniors who have the relationships, who have the experience, who have the cool heads, and they can command high salaries,” he told Ship & Bunker. He added that companies are increasingly recognising the value of these traders and working harder to retain them.
Despite disruption to regional supply caused by the war in Iran, Jayanathan noted that demand for senior traders in the Middle East remains strong, particularly for those with insider knowledge of the region’s networks and relationships.
Junior Hiring and Graduate Schemes Expand
The hiring of junior bunker traders has also picked up, Ship & Bunker reports. Jayanathan pointed to graduate schemes such as the Monjasa Oil and Shipping Traineeship as examples that have encouraged more companies to launch similar programmes aimed at building loyalty among early-career hires.
Non-Compete Clauses Losing Influence
Jayanathan also told Ship & Bunker that non-compete clauses, once a major concern for traders considering a move, are becoming less prominent. He said some major firms appear to have relaxed their approach, and that candidates he has worked with recently have raised the issue far less often than in the previous year.
Advice for Traders and Employers
For traders weighing a move, Jayanathan advised that now may be an opportune moment for those unhappy in their current roles, but stressed the decision should depend on individual circumstances. For employers, he urged thorough due diligence on new hires, particularly around ethics and compliance, and encouraged a broader focus on workplace culture rather than salary alone as a retention tool.
Does this matter to you?
For those operating within bunker trading desks, brokerages, or maritime recruitment, this reporting from Ship & Bunker signals a tightening labour market for experienced trading talent, driven by margin volatility linked to Middle East conflict. Firms managing trading teams may face increased retention and hiring costs, while the loosening of non-compete restrictions could affect how quickly experienced staff move between companies. The direct impact on bunker pricing or supply chains is not addressed in the source material.
Gulf Bunkering does not provide operational or security guidance. This article is for informational purposes only. Operators should consult flag state authorities, P&I clubs, and relevant advisories for decisions relating to transit planning.
Sources: Ship & Bunker
