Houston bunker supply is steady, demand low

GOLA deliveries remain suspended

Bunker fuel availability in Panama is tight

PHOTO: A container ship docked at the Port of Houston at Morgan's Point shot

North America

Bunker supply in Houston has remained steady this week, though overall demand remains subdued.

"Some markets have reported a consistent flow of orders, but high wind gusts are expected over the weekend which could disrupt deliveries," a source said.

Availability is reported to be relatively open for the remainder of the month.

Suppliers recommend lead time of 3–7 days for VLSFO and LSMGO, while HSFO requires longer lead times of 7–10 days.

Bunker deliveries in the US Gulf may face disruptions due to dense sea fog, which is expected to reduce visibility to below three nautical miles in key locations, including Galveston, Corpus Christi and Port Arthur.

Moderate to poor visibility conditions across the region could lead to delays in bunker operations.

Bunker demand in New York remains strong for HSFO, which is well supplied, while VLSFO demand has been relatively low.

Lead times vary by grade, typically ranging from 3–5 days, with longer wait times expected for HSFO.

Strong winds are forecast from 3–6 April, which could cause disruptions, particularly for barge operations at anchorage. While no significant backlog congestion has been reported.

Bunker deliveries in the Galveston Offshore Lightering Area (GOLA) remain suspended due to elevated sea conditions and high wind gusts.

Prolonged delays are expected over the next several days, with adverse weather, including strong winds and rough seas, forecast from 3–7 April, which could further impact operations.

Bunker demand has slightly improved in the west coast, along the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, with expected lead times of under a week.

Caribbean and Latin America

In Panama, bunker sales have been weak, and availability is a bit tight across all fuel grades in Balboa and Cristobal.

Suppliers caution that securing volumes may take longer, with recommended lead times of 4–7 days across all grades to ensure smooth deliveries.

In Argentina, Buenos Aires is experiencing steady demand across all grades, with HSFO availability relatively better compared to other regional hubs.

Bunker deliveries may be suspended in Zona Comun due to high wind gusts exceeding 20 knots. Fuel availability is tight, with recommended lead times of 10-12 days.

Delays are expected to begin on the evening of 3 April and continue through 4 April, with a possible suspension of operations from the late evening of 5 April through 7 April, a source said.

Bunker demand remains steady in Rio de Janeiro and Santos, though VLSFO supply has tightened slightly due to refinery output fluctuations, another source added.

All fuel grades are readily available in Santa Marta, Barranquilla, and Cartagena, with recommended lead time of 2-3 days.

By Gautamee Hazarika

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