Singapore COE Prices: What’s Driving the March 2026 Uptrend and What’s Next?
Singaporean car buyers faced increased Certificate of Entitlement (COE) premiums in the first bidding exercise of March 2026, continuing a trend of rising costs. Category A closed at $108,220, Category B at $114,002, Category C at $76,000, Category D at $8,602, and Category E at $114,890. This article dives into the factors behind these increases and what industry experts predict for the coming months.
Category B Leads the Charge with a Significant Jump
The most notable increase was seen in Category B, climbing by $9,001 to reach $114,002. This represents a substantial rise for car buyers looking at vehicles with engine capacities above 1600cc or those opting for electric vehicles (EVs) with power outputs exceeding 110kW. Category A also saw an increase of $1,719, closing at $108,220. Category C, for goods vehicles and buses, rose by $1,001 to $76,000, while motorcycle COEs (Category D) increased by $613 to $8,602. Category E, open to all vehicles except motorcycles, saw a $2,000 increase, settling at $114,890.
Expert Insights: Demand, EV Trends, and Market Sentiment
Industry professionals weighed in on the reasons behind the COE price hikes. Raymond Ng, Eurokars EV MD for MG and IM Motors, suggested that Category A premiums are likely to remain relatively stable due to the availability of affordable Chinese EV options unaffected by recent PARF policy revisions. However, he noted that Category B’s significant increase may lead consumers to consider Category A vehicles or hold off on purchases.
Anthony Teo, Vantage Automotive MD for BYD and DENZA, pointed to strong demand for Category B cars, particularly models like the Sealion 7, as a key driver of the price increase. He anticipates potential stabilization or a slight drop in Category B prices in the next bidding round, as the gap between Category A and B widens.
Ng Choon Wee, Komoco Motors commercial director for Hyundai, expected Category B to rise but acknowledged the increase exceeded his expectations. He believes prices will likely hover around current levels until there’s a significant increase in COE supply.
Nicholas Wong, Kah Motor Honda CEO, expressed concern that the $9,000 jump in Category B might slow down orders, even with the PARF reduction in place. Vincent Ng, consultant to Vincar Group, attributed the Category B increase to a low base in the previous round and the growing popularity of EVs available in both Category A and B.
Lee Hoe Lone, Premium Automobiles MD for Zeekr, Xpeng, DEEPAL and AVATR, cautioned that the current geopolitical situation could dampen any further uptrends in COE prices.
The Impact of the PARF Revision
While not directly stated as the primary driver, the recent PARF (Preferential Additional Registration Fee) policy revision is influencing buyer behavior. The changes to the PARF scheme, impacting certain vehicle categories, are prompting some consumers to reassess their choices and potentially shift demand between COE categories.
Looking Ahead: The Next Bidding Round
The next COE bidding round is scheduled to begin on March 16, 2026, with results expected on March 18, 2026. Industry observers will be closely watching to spot if the current trend continues or if market forces lead to a correction.
FAQ: COE Prices in March 2026
- What is the current COE price for Category A? $108,220
- What is the current COE price for Category B? $114,002
- What factors are driving up COE prices? Increased demand, particularly for Category B vehicles, and the impact of the PARF revision.
- What is the next COE bidding round? It starts on March 16, 2026, with results on March 18, 2026.
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