Americas Fuel Availability Outlook 27 Aug

VLSFO and LSMGO tight at West Coast

Panama records healthy bunker demand

HSFO tight in Callao

IMAGE: Aerial view of the port of Callao in Lima, Peru.Getty Images

North America

Bunker fuel demand is steady in Houston, and fuel availability at the port is normal. VLSFO and LSMGO can be delivered within lead times of 4–5 days.

"In Houston, around five days’ lead time is advisable for VLSFO and LSMGO. Shorter lead times are possible, but suppliers are then limited and prices tend to be less competitive," a bunker trader told ENGINE.

HSFO is a bit tight at the port, and suppliers are recommending at least 7 days of lead time for deliveries.

Weather conditions are normal and port operations are running normally.

In New Orleans, Louisiana (NOLA), all three fuel grades are available, with a recommended lead time of 6–7 days amid steady demand. The shortest time in which HSFO and VLSFO can be delivered in NOLA is under 5 days.

In Bolivar Roads, VLSFO and LSMGO can be delivered within lead times of 7–8 days, a source said.

Availability is okay at the Galveston Offshore Lightering Area (GOLA), where suppliers can offer HSFO and LSMGO with lead times of 3–4 days. VLSFO is also available at the anchorage but requires a longer lead time of around 5–6 days.

With hurricane season ongoing, a rough patch of weather can be expected, a source said.

In New York, bunker fuel demand is normal, and availability is good for all three grades. Lead times for HSFO have come down this week, with suppliers now recommending anywhere between 3–7 days.

VLSFO and LSMGO can also be supplied within the same lead times at the port.

On the West Coast, bunker demand has been strong in Los Angeles and Long Beach this week, a source said.

VLSFO and LSMGO availability is tight at both ports, with lead times ranging from more than a week to 10 days. HSFO availability is relatively better, but suppliers would require at least a week’s notice, a trader said.

Vancouver’s bunker availability is steady, with HSFO available within 5–7 days, while VLSFO and LSMGO require around 6–8 days’ lead time.

Latin America and the Caribbean

In Panama, bunker fuel demand has seen a slight uptick compared to the previous week, and availability is good at both Balboa and Cristobal.

"Panama, in particular, has been busier than in prior weeks. HSFO supply is tighter, so I'd definitely recommend allowing for more lead time there," a source said.

VLSFO and LSMGO can both be supplied within 3–6 days. HSFO requires longer lead times of 7–8 days. The shortest time within which two suppliers can deliver VLSFO at Balboa is 1–2 days.

VLSFO and LSMGO remain readily available across Colombia's Cartagena, Santa Marta, and Barranquilla, with prompt delivery windows of 3–4 days.

In Freeport, Bahamas, HSFO and LSMGO can typically be supplied within 5–6 days, though some suppliers may deliver in as little as 2–3 days.

In Chile, HSFO is no longer available, while VLSFO and LSMGO availability is okay, with lead times of 4–7 days.

At Callao, HSFO availability is tight and under prior consultation, with lead times around 8–10 days. VLSFO and LSMGO remain okay, with lead times of 4–7 days, a trader said.

Fuel availability is okay in Brazil, with demand reported as steady, though several ports are dealing with congestion.

Santos and Rio de Janeiro currently have normal fuel availability, with lead times of 4–7 days. "Santos looks congested over the next 5–7 days, but it's been okay," a bunker trader said.

Availability is also okay in Paranaguá and Belem/Vila do Conde for both the grades, with lead times of 4–7 days. Rio Grande has okay availability for VLSFO, also within 4–7 days, though LSMGO is not promptly available there.

In Argentina's Zona Común, both VLSFO and LSMGO are available via barges. A brief delay is anticipated due to strong winds at the anchorage location. Market conditions remain normal, with prices holding steady this week.

"Deliveries are normal, and most suppliers are asking for 5–7 days lead time," a source said.

By Gautamee Hazarika

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