Rotterdam’s LNG prices flip the script on biofuels

In Singapore, Manifold Times reports LNG, once the cheapest fuel option in Rotterdam, has now become significantly more expensive than biofuel blends, reversing a long-standing trend. Rotterdam’s LNG price has climbed to an $80 per metric ton premium over B24-VLSFO HBE, a biofuel blend containing 24% palm oil mill effluent biofuel, according to bunker intelligence platform ENGINE. 

This shift follows a $46/mt drop in B24-VLSFO prices and a $49/mt spike in LNG, influenced by concerns over Russian gas supplies to Europe. The latest figures show LNG’s premium over B24-VLSFO rising further to $86–91/mt when factoring in EU Allowance costs. 

In addition, for the more expensive low sulfur marine gas oil blend, LNG is just $4 cheaper than B24-LSMGO HBE, compared with $102 cheaper the previous week.

In the broader biofuel market, Dutch rebates for B30-VLSFO have surged, topping $200/mt, potentially driving demand for biofuels in Rotterdam. Meanwhile, Singapore’s LNG price premium over its B24 biofuel counterpart has also narrowed, reflecting global price adjustments.

Rotterdam remains a key battleground for biofuel and LNG adoption, as fuel availability tightens and price dynamics shift. Traders recommend 5–7 days’ lead time for conventional fuels, highlighting ongoing market volatility.

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