Singapore's Category A Certificate of Entitlement premium reached a record S$129,000 [1] during the bidding exercise on Wednesday.
This surge reflects a broader trend of increasing vehicle ownership costs across multiple categories. Because the COE is a mandatory requirement for owning a vehicle in Singapore, these price spikes directly impact the affordability of cars for residents and businesses.
The premium for Category A cars closed at S$129,000 [1], which is approximately U.S.$99,800 [1]. This figure represents a new peak for this specific category. Reports said the price increase was part of a wider rise across the board for various COE categories [1], [2].
Category C premiums also saw a significant increase, rising to S$95,000 [2]. These certificates are typically associated with larger vehicles or commercial use. The upward trajectory of these premiums suggests a tightening supply or increased demand within the bidding system.
Channel News Asia said the premium for Category A cars closed at this record high in the latest exercise on Wednesday [1]. The Straits Times said the price of a Category A certificate hit a record high of S$129,000 [2].
While the bidding system is designed to control the number of vehicles on the road, the current pricing levels place a heavy financial burden on buyers. The record-breaking nature of the Category A premium indicates a volatile market for smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles typically found in that category.
“The Certificate of Entitlement (COE) premium for Category A cars closed at a record S$129,000”
The record-high COE premiums illustrate the effectiveness—and the cost—of Singapore's vehicle quota system. By driving up the price of the entitlement, the government successfully limits congestion, but the resulting price volatility makes car ownership an increasingly exclusive luxury. The simultaneous rise in Category C premiums suggests that this pressure is not limited to private passenger cars but extends to the commercial sector as well.
