North America

Houston’s bunker fuel demand has been steady so far this week. However, VLSFO and LSMGO availability has been tight, and lead times of one week are generally recommended for both grades. HSFO can be secured with a longer lead time of more than seven days, a source says.

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

VLSFO and LSMGO availability is normal in Baltimore. Some suppliers can supply the grade with 5-6 days of lead times.

A high risk of fog and reduced visibility is forecast around Corpus Christi, Galveston, Port Arthur and Lake Charles starting Friday, which could delay vessel traffic around these ports and potentially also through the Houston Ship Channel, Norton Lilly says.

Bunker operations have been running smoothly in the Galveston Offshore Lightering Area (GOLA) amid conducive weather conditions. Most suppliers are able to deliver VLSFO and LSMGO stems within 5-6 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 prompt dates.

Demand has been better than normal in the West Coast ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles this week. Availability of all grades is tight, with lead times of around 7-10 days recommended. Meanwhile, availability is better for prompt in Seattle, further up the North American west coast

VLSFO and LSMGO availability is normal in the East Coast port of New York. HSFO supply is bit tighter compared to other grades as fewer suppliers offer the high sulphur grade in the port, a source says.

Caribbean and Latin America

Bunker fuel availability in the Panamanian ports of Balboa and Cristobal remains good. Lead times for VLSFO and LSMGO are typically 3-5 days, while HSFO can be secured within 6-7 days, according to sources.

However, demand in the region has been subdued, largely attributed to low water levels in Gatun Lake affecting Panama Canal transit. The Panama Canal Authority has reduced daily transits to 24, a significant drop from the usual 36-37. Authorities plan to add three more daily transit slots starting 18 March, potentially boosting bunker fuel demand.

In Jamaica’s Kingston, VLSFO and LSMGO stems are readily available for prompt delivery, with some suppliers offering delivery within 3-4 days.

Availability is severely constrained across all Brazilian ports, notably in Santos. Most suppliers are unable to accommodate stems for both prompt and non-prompt delivery dates. In Rio Grande and Rio de Janeiro, the earliest delivery date offered by one supplier is 26 March.

Similarly, in Argentina’s Zona Comun, suppliers struggle to provide prompt VLSFO and LSMGO stems due to persistent weather-related disruptions. One supplier is unable to offer stems for delivery dates before 28 March.

Bunkering operations resumed in Zona Comun on Thursday after being suspended on Wednesday due to strong wind gusts.

Source: Engine