ENGINE: Americas Bunker Fuel Availability Outlook in International Shipping News 15/05/2026 North America Bunker fuel demand in Houston is strong this week, with premiums for all three conventional fuel grades staying elevated. While the US Gulf continues to experience seasonal fog conditions, port operations are proceeding largely without major weather-related disruptions, a trader tells ENGINE. Congestion is reported at the port, and prompt availability for all three conventional grades is tight and relatively expensive. Recommended lead times for HSFO and VLSFO are currently around 8–10 days, while LSMGO availability is comparatively better with lead times of 6–7 days. In the Galveston Offshore Lightering Area (GOLA), bunker operations are currently underway, although possible delays are expected at the anchorage from late 16 May through 18 May due to high seas exceeding 1.5 metres, a source said. Deliveries at the anchorage are currently being carried out on a first-come, first-served basis and remain subject to weather conditions. Sea fog and visibility conditions across key US Gulf Coast ports are forecast to remain mostly low-risk through 20 May. Most ports, including Brownsville, Corpus Christi, Galveston, Port Arthur, New Orleans, and Tampa, are expected to see predominantly low threat conditions for visibility disruptions. However, brief periods of moderate fog risk are forecast at some locations, such as Freeport, Mobile Bay, and Tampa, particularly during early morning and overnight hours. No major widespread high-threat visibility events are currently indicated across the region. In the East Coast at the port of New York, bunker demand has held steady this week, with prices largely at par with Houston and occasionally trading at slight premiums to the US Gulf port. Recommended lead times for HSFO and VLSFO are currently around 5–7 days, while LSMGO can be secured within 3–4 days, a source tells ENGINE. Weather conditions at the port are somewhat unsettl