ENGINE: Americas Bunker Fuel Availability Outlook

International Shipping News — 31 July 2026

Bunker fuel availability and lead times across major Americas ports shape vessel scheduling decisions for shipowners and operators calling at these hubs. The three conventional grades tracked — HSFO (high-sulfur fuel oil, used by vessels equipped with exhaust gas cleaning systems), VLSFO (very low sulfur fuel oil, compliant with the IMO's 0.50% global sulfur cap), and LSMGO (low sulfur marine gas oil) — each carry distinct supply dynamics depending on regional refining capacity, storage infrastructure, and demand patterns.

North America

Bunker fuel demand at the Port of Houston has been strong over the past week. Availability is decent at the port, with most suppliers recommending lead times of 5–7 days for HSFO and VLSFO. LSMGO availability is better and can be delivered within 3–4 days, according to a trader. Houston is one of the largest bunkering ports in the US Gulf, serving heavy vessel traffic from petrochemical and energy trade flows.

In the US Gulf, bunkering operations are currently underway at the Galveston Offshore Lightering Area (GOLA). At the anchorage, HSFO, VLSFO, and LSMGO are available in approximately 5–7 days this week.

Weather conditions have been rough over the past week, causing a few delays at the anchorage. Disruptions were forecast between 28–30 July due to swells, with another period of potential disruption expected between 1–2 August as strong winds move in, a source said. Weather-related delays at offshore anchorage points like GOLA can cascade into broader schedule disruptions, as vessels must wait for safe transfer windows before taking on fuel.

Fog-related disruptions are expected to remain limited across most US Gulf Coast ports through 5 August, with low visibility risks prevailing. Moderate fog is forecast between 2–4 August across parts of the central Gulf Coast, including Lake Charles, Marsh Island, Port Fourchon, New Orleans, Venice, Pascagoula, and Mobile Bay, mainly overnight and during the early morning hours. Tampa faces the highest fog risk, while Texas ports are expected to see mostly low visibility risks, with only isolated periods of moderate fog.

On the US East Coast, fuel demand in New York has been steady, and HSFO and LSMGO availability is normal. Suppliers have recommended lead times of 3–7 days for the two grades this week. VLSFO availability at the port is expected to tighten and currently requires at least five days of lead time with most suppliers, a source said.

On the West Coast, bunker demand has slumped, and prompt availability of all three conventional fuel grades is tight. Recommended lead times for the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach are 6–8 days. A few suppliers may be able to make faster deliveries depending on their availability, a trader noted. The tight prompt availability at Los Angeles and Long Beach — the two busiest container ports in the United States — means vessels with urgent refueling needs may face limited options.

In Canada's Vancouver, marine fuel demand is good, and availability is strong across all three fuel grades — HSFO, VLSFO, and LSMGO. Suppliers have recommended lead times of 5–8 days this week.

Post-Tropical Cyclone Fausto is generating large swells and dangerous surf along east-facing shores of the Hawaiian Islands as it passes north of the islands. Large waves and strong currents are expected to persist, creating hazardous coastal conditions.

Latin America and the Caribbean

Panama has good availability across all three conventional fuel grades, a source said. At the ports of Balboa and Cristobal, HSFO and LSMGO can be delivered within lead times of 3–4 days. VLSFO requires slightly longer lead times but can be delivered in under five days. Balboa and Cristobal serve as key bunkering hubs for vessels transiting the Panama Canal, one of the world's most important trade routes connecting the Atlantic and Pacific.

In Colombia, bunker demand has been strong for VLSFO and LSMGO at the ports of Cartagena, Barranquilla, and Santa Marta. The earliest delivery dates for VLSFO and LSMGO are 3–4 days. HSFO is not regularly available at these ports but can be supplied on occasion, a trader said.

At Callao, Peru's primary port, availability of all three conventional bunker grades is normal. Suppliers recommend lead times of 4–5 days for VLSFO, HSFO, and LSMGO deliveries.

In Chile, VLSFO and LSMGO availability is normal, with suppliers recommending lead times of 4–5 days. HSFO is not available at the country's ports, consistent with a broader trend at several Latin American ports where demand for HSFO is insufficient to justify regular supply.

In Brazil, traders reported that Santos — South America's largest container port — is experiencing congestion, but bunker availability remains normal. Recommended lead times for both VLSFO and LSMGO are 5–8 days.

In Rio de Janeiro, VLSFO availability is normal with lead times of 4–7 days, while LSMGO is available only on a case-by-case basis, a source told ENGINE. Paranaguá and Rio Grande continue to face tight availability for both VLSFO and LSMGO, with lead times extending to a week or more. Belém and Vila do Conde continue to have good availability of both grades, with recommended lead times of 4–7 days.

In Argentina's Zona Comun, a popular offshore bunkering anchorage in the River Plate, bunkering operations are underway through barges. VLSFO and LSMGO availability is normal, with suppliers typically making deliveries within 6–7 days, a source said. High wind gusts could disrupt bunker operations between 30–31 July. Delays are possible when wind speeds exceed 20 knots.

*Source: By Gautamee Hazarika, ENGINE,