Rotterdam bunker volumes fall 25% year-on-year in Q1 2026

Bunker sales in the port of Rotterdam were approximately 25% lower in the first quarter of 2026 compared to the first quarter of 2025, according to the port authority on Thursday (16 April). 

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. 

Bio-blended LNG was supplied on a significant scale for the first time, reaching more than 15,000 m³ in the first quarter of 2026.

“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,” the port authority said in a statement. 

“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.”

In December last year, Rotterdam reportedly introduced an incident form intended to report any irregularities during bunker deliveries within the port.

These may include issues related to quantity, quality, safety, or procedural deviations, as well as any other situations that the Port Authority should be aware of.

Related: Port of Rotterdam implements new Bunker Incident Form

Photo credit: MarineTraffic / Rolf Bridde
Published: 20 April, 2026