Hurricane Matthew kept some tankers lingering in the US Gulf Coast, forcing down rates. But potential tight gasoline supply in the area may draw in more cargoes.

The category-four storm is set to hit mainland North America by tonight and early Friday morning. Much of the Atlantic coast of Florida and South Carolina remain under hurricane watch as Matthew, which is bringing winds up to 140 miles per hour (225 kilometres per hour) and storm surges up to eight feet, approaches the US.