North America
Bunker demand in Houston has picked up again this week. VLSFO and LSMGO availability in Houston has remained good so far, with most suppliers able to offer both grades within 4-6 days of lead time.
Several suppliers are recommending longer delivery lead times of 7-8 days for HSFO in Houston, while one supplier can supply the grade for prompt dates.
Prompt VLSFO and LSMGO availability is tight in Beaumont. One supplier needs at least 12 days of lead time to deliver the stems there. Securing VLSFO and LSMGO stems for prompt delivery dates is also difficult in Bolivar Roads. Deliveries there are subject to weather conditions and availability of anchorage space, a source says.
At the New Orleans Outer Anchorage (NOLA), VLSFO and LSMGO can be secured for very prompt dates (0-3 days). However, demand has been low so far this week.
Calmer weather conditions have allowed bunkering to run smoothly in the Galveston Offshore Lightering Area (GOLA). Suppliers in the GOLA can accommodate LSMGO and VLSFO stems within 2-3 days of lead time. HSFO is tight in the lightering area, with only one supplier able to deliver stems for prompt dates.
LSMGO demand remains high in the West Coast ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, leading to tight availability of the grade in the region. As a result, LSMGO prices in both ports have surged to massive premiums over other American ports.
Meanwhile, VLSFO availability is good in Los Angeles and Long Beach. Most suppliers are able to deliver both grades with lead times of 4-7 days.
VLSFO and LSMGO grades are readily available in the East Coast port of New York.
Caribbean and Latin America
Demand for all grades has been low across Panamanian ports this week. Bunker fuel availability for prompt dates has improved in Balboa and Cristobal. Several suppliers are able to offer the fuel grades with lead times of 3-4 days, down from last week’s lead time of 5-7 days.
Meanwhile, the waiting time for ships looking to transit the Panama Canal was about 6 days on Thursday, according to the Panama Canal Authority. Due to the low water level in Gatun Lake, the Panama Canal Authority has limited the number of vessels that can cross the waterway, leading to increased waiting time there.
Prompt availability of both VLSFO and LSMGO remains tight off Trinidad and delivery prospects are subject to enquiries, a source says.
Bunker operations have been suspended in Argentina’s Zona Comun anchorage since Wednesday due to strong wind gusts. Rough weather conditions are forecast until Friday, which could keep bunkering suspended there. Some suppliers are booking orders for VLSFO and LSMGO stems with lead times of 7-8 days.
Prompt VLSFO and LSMGO availability is good in Brazilian ports. One supplier can deliver stems with 2-3 days of lead time in Rio de Janeiro. However, demand for both grades has been low in Brazilian ports this week.
Source: Engine