Americas Fuel Availability Outlook 26 Mar

Houston weather conditions improve

Panama bunker availability tightens

LSMGO supply tight in Brazilian ports

IMAGE: The port of Santa Marta, Colombia. Getty Images.

North America

In Houston, bunker demand remains steady, with suppliers recommending lead times of at least one week for all three conventional fuel grades of VLSFO, LSMGO, and HSFO.

"Would recommend a week or more for almost all grades. The weather has cleared, which is a relief. Deliveries are running smoother compared to previous weeks", a trader tells ENGINE.

Both, the Houston Ship Channel and the Sabine–Neches Waterway, are currently open, with low sea fog risk expected across the Gulf region.

Across the US Gulf Coast, including Brownsville, Galveston, Port Arthur, Marsh Island, New Orleans and Mobile Bay Sea, fog risk is expected to remain largely low between 26 March and 1 April, with generally good visibility.

However, brief periods of moderate to high fog may occur at select ports, potentially causing short-lived visibility disruptions.

In the Galveston Offshore Lightering Area (GOLA), high wind gusts and rough seas are forecast on 28 March, which could impact operations.

In New York, bunker demand has increased, with lead times of 4–7 days for VLSFO and HSFO, while LSMGO remains tight for prompt supply but can typically be secured within 4–5 days.

Operations may face disruptions between 26–30 March due to high wind gusts, with suppliers potentially requiring standby tugs on a case-by-case basis, a source said.

On the US West Coast, Los Angeles and Long Beach continue to show decent availability of VLSFO and LSMGO, with most suppliers able to deliver all three fuel grades within 7–8 days.

HSFO requires longer lead times this week. Container traffic is expected to rise, with 20 arrivals forecast for next week, up from 16 this week, according to Signal’s vessel tracker.

In Vancouver, HSFO is available with lead times of 5–7 days, while VLSFO and LSMGO can be delivered within 6–8 days, a trader said.

Latin America and the Caribbean

In Panama, ports of Balboa and Cristobal are experiencing a rise in bunker demand, tightening availability across all three conventional fuel grades. Lead times for VLSFO and LSMGO are currently 5–6 days, while HSFO requires 6–8 days.

Offshore operations in Trinidad may face disruptions between 26–30 March due to high winds and rough seas. Suppliers have warned of possible delays, with deliveries subject to weather conditions at the time.

In Colombia, including Cartagena, Santa Marta and Barranquilla, VLSFO and LSMGO lead times have increased to 4–5 days, up from the usual 2–3 days.

HSFO, which is limited to select ports like Santa Marta and Barranquilla, the earliest delivery date is around four days, a trader tells ENGINE.

In Freeport, Bahamas, rough weather is delaying anchorage deliveries, with cruise vessels being prioritised. Suppliers are attempting to reduce the backlog by shifting vessels to layberth, while in-port deliveries continue.

In Brazil, bunker availability shows mixed conditions across ports.

Santos has steady availability of VLSFO and LSMGO, with lead times of 5–8 days. Supply for VLSFO is normal in Rio de Janeiro, Rio Grande, Belém, Salvador and Vila do Conde, where the grade can be delivered within 4–5 days.

LSMGO availability remains tight across most ports, particularly in Rio Grande and Paranaguá, following the Brazilian government’s 50% export tax on diesel introduced earlier this month.

Availability is tight for both VLSFO and LSMGO at OPL Sepetiba, where only firm enquiries are being considered.

In Paranaguá, VLSFO is available within 4–5 days, while LSMGO is offered only upon prior consultation. In Itaqui, VLSFO can be delivered within 2–3 days, but LSMGO is currently unavailable.

In Argentina’s Zona Comun, lead times for VLSFO and LSMGO are currently 7–10 days.

Weather conditions at the anchorage remain manageable, although periods of high wind gusts are expected through 30 March, particularly during early morning hours, a source said.

By Gautamee Hazarika

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