North America
Bunker demand has picked up this week in Houston and several other ports along the US Gulf Coast after a period of subdued demand during the holidays last week.
Availability of both VLSFO and LSMGO has gotten tighter in Houston, and some suppliers can only deliver them with a lead time of more than seven days. Prompt HSFO supply is also tight and lead times of 8-9 days are recommended for the grade.
Several suppliers in Houston have held back offers for prompt dates due to tight delivery schedules, sources say.
Prompt supply of VLSFO and LSMGO is also tight in Bolivar Roads and Beaumont. Bunker deliveries there are subject to weather conditions and availability of anchorage space, a source says.
A high risk of fog and reduced visibility is forecast around Corpus Christi, Port Arthur and Lake Charles on Friday, which could delay vessel traffic around the region and potentially through the Houston Ship Channel, Norton Lilly says. As a result, some suppliers are refraining from offering stems for prompt dates in the area.
Bunker operations in the Galveston Offshore Lightering Area (GOLA) resumed on Thursday after being suspended for a day due to rough weather. However, the forecast of strong wind gusts by Thursday evening may impact bunkering in the area again. Some suppliers are experiencing delays in delivery schedules due to recent adverse weather conditions.
Prompt availability remains tight for all grades in the West Coast ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles. Lead times of about seven days are recommended for VLSFO and LSMGO, and a longer lead time of 10-12 days for HSFO.
Availability of VLSFO and LSMGO have slightly improved in the East Coast port of New York. Both grades can now be secured within 4-5 days of lead time. The reduced lead times are attributed to lower demand following the holiday season rush.
Caribbean and Latin America
Demand for all fuel grades have remained low in the ports of Balboa and Cristobal in Panama amid ongoing drought-triggered transit restrictions. VLSFO and LSMGO availability has been good, and most suppliers can offer stems within five days in Balboa. HSFO is also available, but it requires a lead time of about seven days, a source says.
VLSFO and LSMGO delivery is possible for prompt dates off Trinidad, but these offers are generally quoted on a subject to enquiry basis, a source says. Similarly, prompt stems can also be secured in the Bahamas’ Freeport.
Bunker operations have been suspended in Argentina’s Zona Comun anchorage since Tuesday due to strong wind gusts. The weather is forecast to remain rough for the remaining days of this week, which could cause prolonged delays and disruptions, a source says.
Prompt VLSFO and LSMGO availability is good in most Brazilian ports. However, demand has remained slow this week.
Source: ENGINE