{
  "id": 2228651,
  "title": "ENGINE: Americas Fuel Availability Outlook",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/20/engine-americas-fuel-availability-outlook",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-08-20T21:00:55.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Hellenic Shipping News",
    "slug": "hellenic-shipping-news",
    "url": "https://www.hellenicshippingnews.com/engine-americas-fuel-availability-outlook-25/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Bunker fuel demand in Houston has remained consistent since last week, with HSFO prompt availability at the port being tight. Suppliers are only offering VLSFO and LSMGO, with lead times for both grades between 5-6 days. In Galveston Offshore Lightering Area (GOLA), bunkering operations are ongoing on a first-come-first-served basis, but weather conditions may disrupt availability through August 25. HSFO and LSMGO are available at GOLA with lead times of 3-4 days, while VLSFO can be delivered in 5-6 days. The Atlantic hurricane season is currently underway, with Hurricane Lala advisories issued by the National Hurricane Center.\n\nIn Corpus Christi, the Port of the US is exploring nuclear-powered shipping technology with MARAD and CORE POWER, and has signed agreements with them. In New York, demand for HSFO and LSMGO has remained steady, with recommended lead times of 5-7 days for both grades. LSMGO has better availability at New York port, being supplied within 2-3 days. Weather conditions at New York port are normal, with winds blowing between 5-10 knots and waves rising up to 1-2 feet.\n\nIn Los Angeles and Long Beach, all three grades of fuel have normal availability, with lead times of 6-8 days. In Vancouver, Canada, HSFO availability starts from August 27-28, with VLSFO and LSMGO available at lead times of 4-8 days, depending on stem size. In Latin America and the Caribbean, bunker demand in Panama has dropped compared to the past few weeks. Balboa and Cristobal report steady availability for HSFO, VLSFO, and LSMGO, with lead times of 5-7 days. In Colombia, VLSFO and LSMGO are widely available in Cartagena, Santa Marta, and Barranquilla, with earliest delivery dates of 3-4 days for these fuel grades. HSFO is not regularly available at Colombian ports but can be supplied periodically in ports like Buenaventura and Cartagena.\n\nIn Brazil, the port of Santos is congested, while VLSFO is available but tight, and LSMGO has normal availability with recommended lead times of around 6-7 days. At Rio de Janeiro, Rio Grande, Itaqui, Belém, and Vila do Conde, availability for both VLSFO and LSMGO is okay, with lead times of 3-4 days. At OPL Sepetiba, both grades are available, with earliest delivery dates around August 27-29. In Salvador, grades can be supplied within 5-8 days, and in Paranagua, availability has improved for both VLSFO and LSMGO, with lead times of under a week. In Argentina, the bunker market has seen a dip in demand this week, with VLSFO and LSMGO available at the Zona Comun anchorage via barges, with lead times of 6-7 days.",
  "summary": "North America Bunker fuel demand in Houston has remained steady since last week. HSFO prompt availability at the port is tight, with lead times of around 7–8 days At least two suppliers confirmed they are currently only offering VLSFO and LSMGO. Lead times for both these grades are between 5–6 days. In the Galveston Offshore ...",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}