The fuel availability outlook for North America indicates that bunker supply in Houston has maintained a steady flow, although overall demand remains subdued. Some markets are experiencing a steady stream of orders; however, adverse weather conditions, particularly high wind gusts this weekend, could disrupt deliveries.
The availability of fuel is expected to remain relatively open for the rest of the month. Suppliers suggest a lead time of 3 to 7 days for Very Low Sulfur Fuel Oil (VLSFO) and Low Sulfur Marine Gas Oil (LSMGO), while High Sulfur Fuel Oil (HSFO) requires longer periods, generally ranging from 7 to 10 days.
In the US Gulf, weather phenomena such as dense sea fog could significantly impact bunker deliveries, reducing visibility in critical locations like Galveston, Corpus Christi, and Port Arthur to less than three nautical miles. This low visibility could result in delays in bunker operations.
In New York, HSFO demand remains robust, with availability sufficient to meet needs. However, VLSFO demand has remained on the lower side.
Lead times in this region generally vary by fuel grade, with HSFO facing longer wait times. On the West Coast, bunker demand has seen a slight increase, particularly in Los Angeles and Long Beach, with lead times expected to be under a week.
The Caribbean and Latin America have different challenges; Panama is facing weak bunker sales with tight availability across all fuel grades in Balboa and Cristobal. In Argentina’s Buenos Aires, steady demand continues, but high winds are leading to potential delivery suspensions.
Rio de Janeiro and Santos maintain steady demand, while other regions like Santa Marta, Barranquilla, and Cartagena have readily available fuel with shorter lead times.