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ENGINE: Americas Bunker Fuel Availability Outlook

North America

VLSFO and LSMGO availability is normal for prompt dates in Houston area and off the US Gulf Coast. But securing HSFO deliveries can be harder to fix prompt in Houston as some suppliers are fully booked for prompt dates, sources say.

Prompt VLSFO and LSMGO availability is tight in New Orleans. One supplier is hesitant to confirm delivery dates, while another requires at least 10 days of lead time.

Securing bunkers can be trickier in the Galveston Offshore Lightering Area (GOLA) amid tight barge availability. Several suppliers are hesitant to confirm delivery dates as most of their barges are occupied to clear backlogs from previous weather triggered suspensions and delays, sources say.

Suppliers in GOLA have been experiencing several bouts of bad weather in recent weeks. This has delayed several bunker operations.

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 10-15 days is generally recommended to ensure full coverage from all suppliers. Some suppliers are hesitant to confirm delivery dates and indications unless it is for firm enquiries, sources say.

Finding HSFO in West Coast ports can be tricky both for prompt dates and dates further out as the grade is offered by relatively 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, but prompter stems can be accommodated.

Caribbean and Latin America

Prompt VLSFO and LSMGO availability is tight in Kingston. One supplier is running low on stock, while another can deliver stems for prompt dates, sources say.
All grades are tight for prompt dates in Panama’s Balboa and Cristobal. HSFO is particularly tighter as several suppliers are running low on stocks and await resupply cargo, sources say. Two suppliers can deliver HSFO stems in Balboa between 10-15 December, while a host of others have limited to no product available.

VLSFO and LSMGO availability is also tight in Balboa and Cristobal, but securing these grades is still more manageable than HSFO. Lead times of 6-10 days are generally recommended to ensure full coverage from all suppliers.

Bunker demand has improved slightly in Colombian ports coming into this week. One supplier in Colombia’s Cartagena and Santa Marta can supply VLSFO and LSMGO for prompt dates, a trader says. HSFO is mostly unavailable in Colombian ports.

VLSFO and LSMGO availability is normal in Peru’s Callao. One supplier can deliver stems for prompt dates.

All grades are tight for prompt dates at the Zona Comun anchorage in Argentina. Recommended lead times for VLSFO and LSMGO are about 5-7 days out.
Source: By Nithin Chandran (https://engine.online/)

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