Demand rises across North American ports

GOLA operations to suspend over the weekend

HSFO availability tight in Panama

North America

Bunker fuel availability across all grades in Houston remains stable. The region is not struck with adverse weather conditions, which has ensured timely bunker deliveries, keeping lead times under seven days.

Demand for bunker fuel overall has picked up across North American ports over the last two weeks, a source said.

The US Gulf is currently in its fog season and a thick fog has caused delays to vessel transit in early April. Improved visibility is expected as the month progresses, with weather conditions stabilizing once the fog lifts.

Operations in the Galveston Offshore Lightering Area (GOLA) are likely to face disruptions starting tomorrow, due to high seas and strong wind gusts.

Bunker operations are also expected to suspend over the weekend due to weather conditions, potentially causing significant delays.

“Resumption is anticipated by Monday, depending on conditions,” a source said.

In New York, supply is good and all fuel grades are available with expected lead times of 5-6 days. Strong wind gusts in the region could cause minor delays in bunker deliveries.

On the West Coast, fuel availability is good and demand has improved in Los Angeles and Long Beach, where suppliers recommend lead times of around seven days.

The Port of Los Angeles is expecting a 10% decline in cargo volumes in the second half of 2025 due to escalating US-China trade tensions.

Import bookings have already dropped significantly, and with cancelled sailings, bunkering demand at the port is likely to fall. Container ship operators may reroute services to other ports, shifting fuel demand accordingly.

In Canada’s Montreal, bunker deliveries are facing delays due to bad weather, with operations expected to be impacted until 20 April. Barges are operating only during daylight hours, adding to the delivery challenges.

Caribbean and Latin America

In Panama, both Balboa and Cristobal ports are able to offer VLSFO and LSMGO for prompt deliveries, though HSFO remains tight and requires longer lead times.

“HSFO is expected to tighten in Panama, but other grades across various locations are performing well,” a source said.

In Argentina, Zona Comun’s supply continues to face challenges, with lead times of 10-12 days remaining unchanged. A major factor affecting this is that one of the key barges, SARA H, went into drydock at La Plata around 28 March.

The drydocking of this vessel has caused the anchorage to operate with only four suppliers instead of the usual five. The barge is expected to remain out of service for another two weeks.

Meanwhile, the port of Bahia Blanca is reporting better availability than Zona Comun, making it a preferable option for bunker deliveries at this time, with recommended lead time of seven days.

In Brazil, suppliers will not be selling bunkers on 18 April, 21, and 23 due to national and state holidays. However, already sold (physical) bunker deliveries will proceed as planned.

Fuel availability remains solid in most Brazilian ports, including Rio de Janeiro and Santos. However, Santos is experiencing congestion for the next five days, which may lead to delays in bunker deliveries, a source added.

By Gautamee Hazarika

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