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Singaporean motorists are experiencing a rare shift in the vehicle market as Certificate of Entitlement (COE) premiums for larger, more powerful cars (Category B) have fallen below those for smaller, less powerful vehicles (Category A). This reversal, last seen in March 2020, occurred during the latest COE bidding exercise on Friday, February 20, 2026. Category B premiums decreased by 5.3 percent, settling at $105,001, while Category A premiums rose slightly to $106,501, an increase of $181 from the previous exercise. This change in COE pricing comes amidst broader economic considerations for vehicle ownership in Singapore.

The unexpected dip in larger car COE prices coincides with scrutiny surrounding reports of Singaporean citizens potentially participating in the conflict in Gaza. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has acknowledged receiving information suggesting that two Singaporeans may have fought alongside the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), but stated it currently lacks substantiated evidence to confirm these claims. This situation has prompted a government investigation into the matter.

COE Premium Reversal: A Closer Look

The fall in Category B COE premiums to below Category A is an unusual occurrence, signaling a potential shift in demand or economic factors influencing the vehicle market. According to Channel News Asia, the last time this happened was in March 2020. The latest bidding exercise also marks the first since Prime Minister Lawrence Wong announced a 45 percentage point reduction in the Preferential Additional Registration Fee (PARF) rebate. Full COE results are available on Motorist.

The COE system is designed to manage vehicle population growth in Singapore. Premiums fluctuate based on supply and demand, reflecting the number of vehicles allowed on the road. The recent changes suggest a potential cooling in demand for larger vehicles, or a response to the adjusted PARF rebate. The impact of these changes on car sales and overall vehicle ownership costs remains to be seen.

Singaporeans and the Gaza Conflict: Investigation Underway

Reports surfaced indicating that nearly 200 Southeast Asians, including two Singaporeans, may have served in the Israeli military, according to IDF data. But, the MHA has stated We see currently unable to verify these claims. The Ministry is actively investigating the reports to determine the extent of any Singaporean involvement in the conflict.

The potential participation of Singaporeans in a foreign conflict raises complex legal and diplomatic considerations. Singapore’s laws generally prohibit its citizens from serving in foreign armed forces without official permission. The MHA’s investigation will likely focus on determining whether any laws were violated and assessing the circumstances surrounding the alleged involvement.

Thousands of Western nationals have also reportedly fought in Israel’s war on Gaza, according to Al Jazeera. War risk insurance premiums for shipments to Israel have also increased significantly, rising to between 0.7% and 1.0% of the value of a ship, a threefold increase from the previous week, as the conflict with Iran escalates, Insurance Journal reports. These premiums peaked at over 2% in November 2023 following the initial Hamas attack on Israel.

What to Expect Next

The MHA is expected to provide further updates on its investigation into the alleged involvement of Singaporeans in the Gaza conflict as more information becomes available. The COE market will continue to be monitored for further fluctuations and the impact of the PARF rebate adjustment. Motorists and potential car buyers should stay informed about COE trends and government policies to make informed decisions about vehicle purchases.

This is a developing story. Share your thoughts in the comments below and continue to follow archyde.com for the latest updates.

Tehran has issued a stark warning to the United States, stating that all American military bases and assets would be considered legitimate targets for retaliation should Iran be attacked. This declaration comes as tensions escalate following President Trump’s recent rhetoric and a set deadline for a new agreement regarding Iran’s nuclear program. The situation is rapidly evolving, raising concerns about a potential crisis in the region.

The escalating tensions center around the future of the 2015 nuclear deal, from which the U.S. Unilaterally withdrew in 2018. President Trump has repeatedly criticized the agreement, arguing It’s insufficient to curb Iran’s nuclear ambitions. He recently set a deadline of “10 to 15 days” for Iran to reach a deal with the U.S., warning of “bad things” if an agreement isn’t reached, according to Reuters. The specifics of what constitutes an acceptable deal remain unclear, contributing to the heightened anxiety.

Iran’s Response and Concerns Over a ‘Crisis’

In response to Trump’s ultimatum, Iranian officials have strongly condemned the U.S. Position, warning that any attack on Iran would trigger a widespread retaliation. According to reports, Iran views the U.S. Actions as deliberately escalating the situation and risking a broader regional conflict. The New York Times reports that Trump has been weighing potential military strikes against Iran but has not articulated a clear rationale for such action or the timing of it.

Al Jazeera reported that Iranian officials believe the U.S. Is intentionally creating a crisis. This assessment is fueled by the deployment of a U.S. Strike force to the region, as highlighted by The Washington Post. The presence of this force is seen by Iran as a direct provocation and a signal of potential military action.

Diplomatic Efforts and Potential for Negotiation

Despite the escalating rhetoric, there are ongoing diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the situation. The BBC reports that “guiding principles” have been agreed upon between Iran and the U.S. During recent nuclear talks. However, the details of these principles remain confidential.

A senior U.S. Official indicated that Iran is expected to submit a written proposal for resolving the current standoff, according to The Washington Post. The content of this proposal will be crucial in determining whether a diplomatic solution can be reached or if the situation will continue to deteriorate. CNN detailed the range of options being considered by Trump, from targeted attacks to potentially attempting to topple the current Iranian regime.

The situation remains highly volatile, and the next few days will be critical in determining whether a diplomatic resolution can be achieved or if the region is headed towards a potentially devastating conflict. The international community is closely monitoring the developments, urging both sides to exercise restraint and prioritize dialogue.

What comes next hinges on Iran’s forthcoming written proposal and President Trump’s response. The world awaits a clear indication of whether both parties are willing to engage in meaningful negotiations to avert a crisis. Share your thoughts on this developing situation in the comments below.