- Bunker sales in Rotterdam fell about 25% in Q1 2026 versus Q1 2025, led by VLSFO -44%, HSFO -25% and ULSFO -13%.
- Fossil distillates MGO and MDO dropped 7% and 11% respectively, while (bio-)LNG and (bio-)methanol rose 6.4% and bioblended fuels increased 2.7%.
- Bioblended LNG was supplied at scale for the first time with over 15,000 m³ in Q1 2026; RED III-driven price differences and regulatory changes are cited as potential causes, with Strait of Hormuz impacts expected in Q2.
Overview
Bunker sales in the port of Rotterdam were about 25% lower in Q1 2026 versus Q1 2025, reflecting a broad decline across fossil bunker grades.
Fossil fuel performance
Largest drops were in oil fuels: VLSFO -44%, HSFO -25%, ULSFO -13%; fossil distillates also fell, with MGO down 7% and MDO down 11%.
Alternative fuels
Alternative fuels rose slightly: (bio-)LNG and (bio-)methanol increased 6.4% and bioblended fuels grew 2.7%, driven mainly by bioblended distillates; bioblended LNG was supplied at scale for the first time, exceeding 15,000 m³ in Q1 2026.
Causes and outlook
Reported drivers include RED III implementation raising prices versus neighbouring countries, regulatory and operational changes, and price volatility; effects from developments in the Strait of Hormuz were not yet reflected in Q1 and are expected to appear in Q2 statistics.
