Fuel Switch Snapshot: Conventional gains hand biofuels back their edge
Biofuels have regained a competitive advantage over conventional marine fuels in Rotterdam and Singapore as fossil fuel prices rose while several renewable blends saw price declines.
Biofuels have reclaimed market share following price increases for conventional fuels in major bunkering hubs. According to Hellenic Shipping News, conventional fuel costs rose in both Rotterdam and Singapore over the past week, while B100 and certain B30 blends experienced price drops. This shift has flipped four price spreads across the two ports, moving biofuels back into a more favorable position relative to traditional fossil fuels favored by European Union regulations.
In Rotterdam, the price gap between B100 and Very Low Sulphur Fuel Oil narrowed significantly to just $10 per metric tonne. The port's liquefied biomethane also became more competitive for ships with diesel slow-speed engines, shifting from a premium to a discount against High Sulphur Fuel Oil. Despite these gains, market participants report that prompt availability for conventional fuels remains tight in the Amsterdam-Rotterdam-Antwerp region, with lead times reaching up to seven days.
The Singapore market followed a similar trend as B100 prices fell by $8 per metric tonne while conventional grades gained value. Liquid Natural Gas saw the most significant weekly movement in Singapore, with prices jumping by approximately $90 per metric tonne. This volatility caused LNG to lose ground against other fuels, including a shift from a discount to a premium over Low Sulphur Marine Gasoil for vessels equipped with certain engine types.
Broader market drivers included a rise in front-month ICE Brent futures and an increase in December 2026 EUA prices, which added to the compliance costs for all fossil-based fuels. While the OceanScore FuelEU pooling index remained stable, ENGINE-assessed pooling values for B100 on European voyages rose slightly due to a stronger euro. Tight supply conditions continue in Singapore, where traders report indicative lead times of up to 19 days for specific fuel grades.
Helena Marsh — Energy Markets Editor. Helena covers crude, refined products and the trading houses that move them, with a focus on price formation in the Mediterranean and Black Sea.
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