Bunker sales in the port of Rotterdam were approximately 25 percent lower in the first quarter of 2026 compared to the first quarter of 2025. The largest decline occurred in the fossil fuel oil segment, particularly VLSFO (-44%), HSFO (-25%), and ULSFO (-13%). Fossil distillates also declined, with MGO down 7% and MDO down 11%.

At the same time, alternative fuels showed a (slight) increase. Sales of (bio-)LNG and (bio-)methanol rose by 6.4%, while bioblended fuels increased by 2.7%, mainly due to a shift towards bioblended distillates. Bioblended LNG was supplied on a significant scale for the first time, reaching more than 15,000 m³ in the first quarter of 2026.

Possible explanations

These developments can partly be explained by the implementation of RED III in the Netherlands, which has led to higher prices compared to neighbouring countries. Operational changes in regulation and policy may also have played a role. In addition, price volatility and uncertainty may have resulted in lower bunker demand in Rotterdam.

The effects of developments in the Strait of Hormuz are not yet reflected in the bunker figures for the first quarter of 2026; these are expected to become more visible in the bunker statistics of the second quarter.
Source: Port of Rotterdam