Sales of conventional marine fuels in Rotterdam reached 1.8 million tons in the third quarter of 2026, showing a 10 percent increase compared to the second quarter. This increase comes after conventional fuel sales in the second quarter had dropped to their lowest level since records began in 2010.
Details of Marine Fuel Sales
According to published data, in the third quarter, HSFO (Heavy Fuel Oil) sales increased by 50,000 tons to 755,000 tons, making it the best conventional fuel in Rotterdam. This type of fuel accounted for 42 percent of total conventional fuel sales. Additionally, VLSFO (Very Low Sulfur Fuel Oil) sales rose by 73,000 tons to 427,000 tons, marking the highest seasonal growth since 2021 and comprising 24 percent of conventional sales.
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Sales of ULSFO (Ultra Low Sulfur Fuel Oil) also increased by 42,000 tons to 165,000 tons, representing a 34 percent increase compared to the previous quarter. This type of fuel accounted for 9 percent of conventional sales. On the other hand, MGO (Marine Gas Oil) sales grew by 18,000 tons to 349,000 tons, making up 19 percent of conventional sales.
Decline in LNG Sales
While conventional fuel sales continue to rise, LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) sales fell by 26,000 tons to 97,000 tons in the third quarter, indicating a 21 percent decrease compared to the second quarter. The share of LNG in total marine fuel sales in Rotterdam also dropped to 5 percent.
In the nine-month period, conventional fuel sales decreased by 26 percent compared to last year, reaching 5.1 million tons. Meanwhile, VLSFO sales significantly declined, down 42 percent from the previous year to 1.2 million tons. HSFO sales also decreased by 21 percent, reaching 2.1 million tons.
Recent events indicate significant fluctuations in the marine fuel market in Rotterdam, which could impact future trends. Given these developments, market analysts should seek to identify the reasons for these changes and forecast future trends.
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