North America

VLSFO and LSMGO availability is normal in the Houston area and off the US Gulf Coast, but can be tight for very prompt dates (0-3 days) in Houston. The earliest delivery dates with a supplier are about five days out.

Bunker fuel availability is normal in Bolivar Roads. Recommended lead times for VLSFO and LSMGO are about 4-5 days.

Bad weather has disrupted bunker deliveries in the Galveston Offshore Lightering Area (GOLA) this week. Some suppliers are trying to deliver stems as and when the weather allows, but have mostly halted deliveries otherwise, sources say. The weather is forecast to remain rough through the weekend in GOLA.

VLSFO and LSMGO availability is tight at the Davant anchorage in Louisiana. Some suppliers are hesitant to confirm delivery dates due to tight availability. One supplier can supply both grades from 27 November onwards.

Prompt VLSFO availability is tight in San Francisco. One supplier is running low on VLSFO stock but can manage to accommodate smaller stem sizes. LSMGO availability is slightly better.

All grades remain tight for prompt dates in the twin ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles on the US West Coast. A longer lead time of at least 10 days is generally recommended to ensure full coverage from all suppliers. Securing HSFO can be tricky for both prompt and dates further out as the grade is offered by fewer suppliers.

Bunker availability remains steady for all fuel grades in Mexico’s Manzanillo. Recommended lead times for HSFO, VLSFO and LSMGO are about five days out, while prompt stems can be accommodated, sources say.

Caribbean and Latin America

All grades are tight for prompt dates in Panama’s Balboa and Cristobal. Several suppliers in both ports are hesitant to confirm delivery dates for VLSFO and LSMGO due to tight product availability and busy schedules.

HSFO deliveries can be even trickier to secure in Balboa and Cristobal. The earliest delivery date with a supplier in Balboa stretches out to the beginning of next month, sources say. Others are fully booked for the remaining days of November.

Bunker demand has been roughly steady in Colombian ports so far in November, a trader says. One supplier can supply VLSFO and LSMGO for prompt dates in Cartagena and Santa Marta. Another requires at least three days of lead time.

Prompt VLSFO supply is tight in Uruguay’s Montevideo and some suppliers are hesitant to confirm delivery dates due to tight barge schedules and availability. Sources say that VLSFO availability could tighten further amid low supply from local refiners. LSMGO is more readily available.

VLSFO and LSMGO are in normal availability at Argentina’s Zona Comun anchorage. Recommended lead times are about 5-6 days.
Source: ENGINE, By Nithin Chandran (https://engine.online/)