Houston bunker supply tightens as demand stays strong

Ships calling at Houston this week face a thin prompt market. ENGINE reports strong demand at the US Gulf port, with suppliers asking for 6-8 days of notice for HSFO and LSMGO and around five days for VLSFO. Offshore, at the Galveston lightering area, the heavy grades also need at least five days, although LSMGO can come within three days.

Panama looks easier. At Balboa and Cristobal, VLSFO and LSMGO are typically ready in 3-4 days, while HSFO takes 5-7 days. New York has normal availability, with 5-7 days suggested for VLSFO and HSFO, but strong winds forecast for 26 September could interrupt barge work.

Further south, fuel is harder to find. LSMGO is not on offer in Santos for now, and smaller Brazilian ports quote VLSFO and LSMGO only on request, which can take more than a week.

For a ship leaving the US Gulf for the canal, it may be simpler to keep the Houston order small and take the larger share in Panama.