North America

Bunker demand has dropped this week in Houston and several other ports along the US Gulf Coast, following strong demand in previous weeks. However, availability of all fuel grades remains tight for prompt dates in the region. Many suppliers are already fully booked due to high demand in recent weeks, and weather-related disruptions last weekend have also contributed to the tight supply situation.

Availability of VLSFO and LSMGO is good in Beaumont. One supplier is willing to offer VLSFO and LSMGO stems there within four days.

Bunkering was proceeding normally in the Galveston Offshore Lightering Area (GOLA) from Tuesday onwards, after being suspended earlier this week. However, strong wind gusts are forecast again from Sunday evening, which could potentially impact bunkering in the lightering area.

Availability of bunker fuel in GOLA, has improved this week and some suppliers are able to accommodate stems with a lead time of 4-6 days.

At the New Orleans Outer Anchorage (NOLA), demand for VLSFO and LSMGO has been stronger for delivery dates further out. Most suppliers are able to offer stems for non-prompt dates.

VLSFO and LSMGO availability is getting tighter in Baltimore. One supplier needs a lead time of at least 10 days to deliver stems there.

Demand for VLSFO and LSMGO deliveries in the West Coast ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles remains low. However, the advised lead time for these deliveries is currently 5-7 days, which is better than the usual time frame, a source says. It is also possible to secure prompt HSFO in these ports now.

Improved HSFO availability in Los Angeles caused a significant drop in price over the past month, resulting in a Hi5 spread above $200/mt.
Over on the East Coast, VLSFO and LSMGO availability is said to be normal in New York.

Caribbean and Latin America

Suppliers in Panama’s Balboa and Cristobal are able to offer VLSFO and LSMGO within 4-5 days of lead time. In Balboa, demand has improved slightly this week with several enquiries for VLSFO and LSMGO, compared to muted demand in previous weeks.

Prompt availability of both VLSFO and LSMGO remains tight off Trinidad and delivery prospects are subject to enquiries and subject to weather conditions there, a source says. However, a supplier is able to offer VLSFO stems with lead times ranging between 4-8 days.

Prompt deliveries of VLSFO and LSMGO are possible at Argentina’s Zona Comun anchorage, with recommended lead times of 5-7 days. Bunker demand has been good in the past week. With calmer weather, suppliers have delivered stems as scheduled. However, suppliers at the anchorage are expected to experience strong wind gusts of 37-39 knots this evening. This could lead to delays and disruptions, a source says.

Prompt VLSFO and LSMGO availability is good in Brazilian ports. One supplier can deliver stems with 3-4 days of lead time in Santos. However, demand for both grades has been low in Brazilian ports this week.

Source: ENGINE