North America

Bunker fuel demand has been strong in Houston this week and availability of all fuel grades has been good for prompt dates. Most suppliers can offer VLSFO and LSMGO stems with a lead time of 5-7 days in Houston.

VLSFO and LSMGO availability has also been good for prompt dates in Bolivar Roads. Deliveries there remain subject to weather conditions and anchorage schedules, a source says.

Bunkering in the Galveston Offshore Lightering Area (GOLA) was suspended on Monday due to rough weather, with strong wind gusts making barge deliveries challenging. However, weather conditions have improved since Tuesday, allowing bunker operations to proceed smoothly.

VLSFO and LSMGO availability is normal in New York. Lead times of 3-5 days are recommended for both grades. HSFO availability has remained very tight in New York. Most suppliers are unable to offer HSFO for prompt dates.

New York’s HSFO price has been trading at a premium over HSFO prices in other ports in the region due to tight availability, a source says. Earliest delivery dates for the grade with some suppliers can stretch out to the first week of November.

Demand has been slow in the West Coast ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles. VLSFO and LSMGO availability have held better in both ports compared to previous weeks. Lead times of five days are still recommended for the grades to ensure full coverage from suppliers and to avoid price premiums for quicker deliveries, a trader said.

Caribbean and Latin America

Bunker demand has been good in Panamanian ports amid more daily transits through the Panama Canal. Availability has also remained good for prompt dates in both Balboa and Cristobal.

Bunkering has been suspended in the Bahamas’ Freeport since 17 October because of the rough weather. The area was experiencing strong wind gusts of up to 28 knots on Thursday, making bunkering difficult there.

Bunkering has been suspended in Argentina’s Zona Comun anchorage since Tuesday due to adverse weather conditions. Strong wind gusts of up to 32 knots on Thursday made barge deliveries difficult in the area.

Rough weather conditions are forecast on Friday and over the weekend, potentially causing prolonged delays in the anchorage, a source said.

Brazilian ports halted operations for 12 hours on Tuesday as unions held strike action against proposed regulatory changes that threaten workers’ rights. While cargo operations faced disruptions, bunkering activities remained stable, crucial for the country’s status as a major soybean exporter, a source said.

Source: ENGINE