Americas Fuel Availability Outlook

North America

Bunker fuel demand has been good in Houston this week, but availability for all grades has been tight for prompt delivery dates.

Most suppliers can offer VLSFO and LSMGO stems with a lead time of 7-8 days in Houston. HSFO will require a longer lead time.

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

Securing both prompt and non-prompt stems for all fuel grades is tight at the New Orleans Outer Anchorage (NOLA) and in the Port of Mobile. Some suppliers are unable to provide an exact date for when they will have the supply available to resume offers.

Bunkering was proceeding normally in the Galveston Offshore Lightering Area (GOLA) on Thursday amid pleasant weather conditions. The weather is forecast to remain calm through the weekend and most of next week. Bunker demand has picked up in GOLA this week.

Prompt availability is tight in the West Coast ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. Lead times of 8-10 days are generally recommended to secure VLSFO and LSMGO in both locations. Securing HSFO can be even more difficult as most suppliers are unable to offer stems for both prompt and non-prompt dates.

VLSFO and LSMGO availability is normal in the East Coast port of New York. Overall, bunker demand has been slow in New York so far this week.

Caribbean and Latin America

Bunker fuel demand has been normal in Panama’s Balboa and Cristobal. Product availability is also good in both locations, with several suppliers able to supply all fuel grades with a lead time of 5-7 days.

Draft limits on Argentina’s Paraná River have been reduced, impacting shipping operations at key export ports along the river.

According to a draft forecast from Antares Ship Agents, additional restrictions are anticipated in December and January.

Current limits at terminals above Quebracho have already been lowered by 10 centimeters, while draft reductions of up to 15 centimeters are now in place for certain terminals in San Nicolás, the report showed. These measures are expected to tighten further over the coming months, with conservative forecasts estimating draft limits of 9.7 meters in San Lorenzo and Rosario and 9.8 meters outbound from San Nicolás.

Demand has been good in Brazilian ports this week. Availability has been good in most of the ports, and some suppliers are able to offer grades at a lower price than usual, a source says.
Source: Engine