ENGINE: Americas Bunker Fuel Availability Outlook in International Shipping News 22/05/2026 North America In the US Gulf Coast region, the bunker market remains active, with strong demand in Houston. Prompt fuel availability across all three conventional grades is currently tight, with lead times for HSFO and LSMGO between 6-8 days. VLSFO has required at least five days of lead time this week, a trader said. The US Gulf remains in its seasonal fog period, although sea fog and visibility threats across major Gulf Coast ports are expected to stay largely within low-to-moderate levels through 27 May. Ports including Brownsville, Corpus Christi, Freeport, Galveston and Port Arthur are forecast to face mostly moderate visibility threats in the coming days, while Port Fourchon, Pascagoula and Mobile are forecast with low-to-moderate fog. Tampa is expected to maintain mostly low fog threat levels. Widespread severe fog disruptions are not anticipated, though intermittent visibility issues could still affect vessel movements and bunker deliveries at some ports. Bunker demand in New York is steady this week, although fuel prices are seeing some upward pressure from fluctuating fuel availability across the US East Coast. LSMGO supply is expected to tighten further, with current lead times at 3–4 days. Prompt availability for HSFO and VLSFO remains constrained, with recommended lead times extending to 7–10 days, according to a source. On the US West Coast, bunker demand in Los Angeles and Long Beach has increased modestly over the past week. Advised lead times for all three fuel grades are at 7–9 days. Weather conditions remain favourable in Los Angeles and are expected to support smooth bunker operations. Latin America and the Caribbean In Panama, bunker demand has remained strong, and bunker prices continue to be elevated in Balboa and Cristobal, according to a trader. Fuel availability at both the ports is generally normal, with most suppliers able to deliver VLSFO and LSMG