Bunker fuel demand in Houston has remained good so far this week. Prompt VLSFO and LSMGO supply is available with most of the suppliers there. The fuel grades can be secured in the port with a lead time of 3-4 days. HSFO remains relatively tighter, with a longer lead time of 6-7 days recommended.

LSMGO and VLSFO availability is normal for prompt dates in Bolivar Roads and Beaumont. Demand for VLSFO has picked up in Bolivar Roads this week.

Bunker operations have been running smoothly in the Galveston Offshore Lightering Area (GOLA) amid calm weather conditions this week. Most suppliers are able to deliver VLSFO and LSMGO stems within 4-5 days of lead time, while some can offer both grades on a subject to enquiry basis. However, demand has been very low for all fuel grades in GOLA this week.

At the New Orleans Outer Anchorage (NOLA), VLSFO and LSMGO can be secured for very prompt (0-3 days) dates.

Demand has been low in the West Coast ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles this week. Availability of all grades is better than normal, with lead times of around 5-7 days. HSFO requires a longer lead time of about 8-10 days, with only two suppliers offering the grade, a source says.

Availability of VLSFO and LSMGO is very tight in Vancouver further up the North American west coast.

In the East Coast port of New York, all grades are available for prompt delivery dates. But overall demand has been slow so far this week. Most suppliers are able to offer stems for delivery within 1-3 days.

Caribbean and Latin America

VLSFO and LSMGO demand has been good in Panama’s Balboa port this week. Product availability has remained steady with several suppliers able to supply both fuel grades with a lead time of 3-5 days. However, the availability of all grades is tighter than usual at Cristobal. Some suppliers are able to deliver the two fuel grades with a lead time of 6-8 days there, a source says.

Availability of all grades is good for very prompt dates off Trinidad due to weak demand. Strong wind gusts of up to 28 knots are forecast to hit Trinidad on Thursday, which could disrupt bunkering there. Rough weather conditions are expected to persist throughout this week.

VLSFO and LSMGO stems are available for prompt dates in Jamaica’s Kingston. Meanwhile, bunker buyers have been keen to book stems for delivery dates further out.

Bunker operations have been running smoothly in Argentina’s Zona Comun anchorage. However, strong winds of up to 28 knots are forecast between Friday and Sunday, which could delay bunkering or trigger suspension there.

VLSFO availability has improved in Zona Comun this week and recommended lead time has come down to 5-6 days from last week’s 7-9 days. This could be because of the low demand for VLSFO and LSMGO in Zona Comun this week.

Source: Engine