Americas Fuel Availability Outlook 18 June

Operations suspended in GOLA

Fuel availability good in Panama

Lead times extend in Zona Comun

IMAGE: Harbour with nautical vessels in Argentina. Getty Images.

North America

Bunker demand in the US Gulf port of Houston has been strong over the past week, and prompt fuel availability is slightly tight with most suppliers, a trader tells ENGINE.

Lead times for HSFO and LSMGO are currently estimated at 5–7 days, while VLSFO requires at least 5 days.

In the Galveston Offshore Lightering Area (GOLA) operations have been suspended and are expected to remain affected through the afternoon of 19 June. Another suspension is likely on the morning of 21 June if adverse weather conditions persist, a trader tells ENGINE.

On the US East Coast, bunker demand in New York has softened compared to previous weeks. Market sources say buyers have been reluctant to book at elevated prices amid ongoing price fluctuations.

Prompt availability is tight for VLSFO and HSFO, with suppliers recommending lead times of 6–7 days. LSMGO can be delivered within 2–3 days.

Weather conditions have generally been favourable, although occasional high wind gusts have caused intermittent disruptions. A small craft advisory remains in effect through late Thursday night, restricting the movement of smaller vessels such as barges.

The Atlantic hurricane season officially began on 1 June. A developing weather disturbance off the US East Coast is expected to bring thunderstorms and heavy rainfall to parts of the southeastern US and nearby offshore waters this week.

On the US West Coast, fuel availability remains normal across all three conventional grades at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach.

Recommended lead times for HSFO, VLSFO and LSMGO are currently 7–10 days.

Latin America and the Caribbean

Bunker demand in Panama has been decent, with good fuel availability reported at both Balboa and Cristobal. A notice of 3-5 days is recommended for all three conventional fuel grades.

El Niño conditions could lower Panama Canal water levels, potentially leading to transit restrictions and reduced vessel traffic.

High wind gusts are forecast to affect operations at Freeport, Bahamas, between 21-22June, potentially causing delays at the anchorage. Barge operators will assess weather conditions before deciding whether operations can proceed safely.

At St. Eustatius, high wind gusts are forecast from 18-22 June, which could lead to delays in bunkering operations.

Fuel availability is normal across Brazil's key bunkering ports of Santos, Rio de Janeiro, Paranaguá, Rio Grande, and Belem/Vila do Conde.

Suppliers are reporting normal availability of both VLSFO and LSMGO, with no significant supply constraints. Recommended lead times for both grades are 5-8 days, a trader said.

HSFO is no longer available in Brazil.

In Zona Comun, bunkering operations are currently ongoing but could be suspended for a short period on the morning of 19 June if wind speeds exceed 20 knots.

Suppliers can offer VLSFO and LSMGO at the anchorage, with expected lead times of 6-8 days this week, a source said.

By Gautamee Hazarika

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