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Viewpoint: Biogas growth uneven, shipping drives 2026
Viewpoint: Biogas growth uneven, shipping drives 2026
London, 22 December (Argus) — Europe's biomethane market faces uneven growth in 2026, with numerous unsolved policy hurdles and as adoption of the EU's revised renewable energy directive (RED III) reshapes national compliance frameworks. Shipping demand will remain a key driver, particularly for certified subsidised product. RED III's overall 2030 target gives EU member states the option to reduce greenhouse gases (GHGs) by 14.5pc, or reach a 29pc renewable energy share. RED II only required countries to reach a 14pc renewable energy share. Some states have already transposed RED III, including the Netherlands and Germany , and pivoted incentive schemes to reward fuels on a GHG reduction basis. This is setting up biomethane with low or negative carbon intensity (CI) as a fuel of choice for suppliers obligated to comply with the regulation in the Netherlands, where previously it lagged behind cheaper, energy-intense biofuels. Another EU regulation that favours biomethane use is FuelEU Maritime, which came into effect in January 2025 requiring shipowners to reduce fleet emissions by 2 pc/yr in 2025 and 2026. Over-compliance can be sold under pooling schemes — which have proven profitable for bio-LNG bunkering. The mandate became a major market price driver for renewable gas guarantees of origin (RGGOs) — certificates issued to companies producing gas made from non-fossil fuel sources — and this should continue into 2026. New schemes, either under RED III or domestic obligations, that will come into effect in 2026 will compete with maritime demand for supply. Most 2026 Dutch and Danish supply has already been sold to the maritime sector. Growing Netherlands As well as a pivot to GHG-based compliance with a new ERE ticket system under RED III, the Netherlands began work on a Green Gas Blending Obligation in November. While implementation before late 2027 seems unlikely, progress should boost RGGO forward pricing. Dutch biomethane liquidity could be bolstered if the government approves mass-balancing , a method to track and verify biomethane when it is injected into the gas grid system and becomes indistinguishable from conventional gas. A motion was proposed in parliament in November, but a recent government response indicates this is unlikely. Bio-LNG must be unsubsidised, certified and physically delivered to qualify for ERE tickets, otherwise it will be treated with a fossil gas CI of 94g CO2e/MJ when calculating a fuel supplier's overall mandate level. Steady Germany, France Germany will remove double-counting for waste-based biofuels under its GHG reduction quota (THG) in 2026, but biomethane should remain the cheapest compliance route for fuel suppliers, as rising mandates will support demand. Most German imports come from the UK or Denmark. The former may benefit from Danish prices inflated by maritime demand, despite questions about UK eligibility with German schemes. France's biogas production certificate (CPB) blending mandate starts in January, which should significantly boost domestic demand. But the country has delayed its RED III transposition , which includes a new GHG-based IRICC ticket system, to 2027. The current energy-based TIRUERT transport ticket system will remain in place for a year, limiting transport-sector uptake. It is unclear if IRICCs can be generated from biomethane in 2027, but 3pc renewable gas obligations for transport will start in 2028, increasing thereafter. Cross-border trade and bio-LNG bunkering should remain limited. French biomethane can only be exported as an ex-domain cancellation , the cancellation of RGGOs in one country's registry for use in a different country. This carries risk to buyers, as ownership is not necessarily transferred. Subsidised biomethane cannot be liquefied at French LNG terminals for use outside the country. French bio-LNG must be exported via mass-balancing to other terminals in the EU, for use under FuelEU Maritime. Uncertain UK The UK's access to EU markets hinges on access to the Union Database for gaseous Biofuels (UDB), now targeted for launch by end-summer 2026. Uncertainty about third-country treatment could restrict EU trade — a critical issue given the UK exported more than half its RGGOs in the first three quarters of 2025, mostly to Germany, Norway and Switzerland. The UK is consulting on replacing volume-based RTFC tickets with a GHG-based system, but any changes would not be enacted until 2027. Overall in Europe, biomethane remains well positioned in GHG-based systems, but policy implementation delays will probably slow overall market growth. The Netherlands, Denmark and Germany should remain anchors for European pricing, and Spain should consolidate its role as a maritime hub. But several countries risk lagging behind without RGGO registries, export hub access, policy incentives and subsidy reform. By Madeleine Jenkins Send comments and request more information at feedback@argusmedia.com Copyright © 2025. Argus Media group . All rights reserved.
Mexico central bank cuts target rate to 7pc
Mexico central bank cuts target rate to 7pc
Mexico City, 19 December (Argus) — Mexico's central bank cut its benchmark interest rate by 25 basis points to 7pc, its lowest level since June 2022, maintaining a slower pace in the easing cycle on inflation concerns. The decision marked the eighth rate cut this year and the fourth quarter-point reduction following four consecutive half-point cuts. This year's cuts follow five quarter-point cuts in 2024 from a cyclical peak of 11.25pc in March. The board approved the cut in a 4-1 vote, with deputy governor Jonathan Heath dissenting in favor of holding the rate at 7.25pc. Heath has been the lone dissenter in the past five decisions, consistently urging greater caution. The central bank said the decision reflected "the behavior of the exchange rate, the weakness of economic activity and the possible impact of changes in global trade policies," repeating language used in its last four statements. Gabriela Siller, chief economist at Banco Base, pointed to a "significant change" in the bank's forward guidance, noting a shift toward a less dovish tone. The board said it "will consider when to make further adjustments" to the policy rate, replacing the "will consider cutting" language used in November. Mexican bank Banorte also said the central bank struck a less dovish tone, pointing to a change in its forward guidance. Annual inflation rose to 3.8pc in November from 3.57pc in October, according to statistics agency Inegi. Core inflation, which excludes volatile food and energy prices, accelerated to 4.43pc from 4.28pc. The central bank now sees headline inflation ending 2025 at 3.7pc, up from 3.5pc in its November forecast, while core inflation is projected at 4.3pc, revised from 4.1pc. It also raised its headline and core forecasts for the first two quarters of 2026, while maintaining that both will converge to its 3pc target by the third quarter. The bank said the revisions mainly reflect a "more gradual-than-expected" easing in services inflation, along with a smaller contribution from accelerating consumer goods prices. The board also addressed recent tax reforms, which it expects will have a temporary and not necessarily proportional impact on prices, adding it will update its forecasts as it conducts a comprehensive assessment of the revised tax code's effects. By James Young Send comments and request more information at feedback@argusmedia.com Copyright © 2025. Argus Media group . All rights reserved.
Viewpoint: Bitumen markets eye pockets of demand
Viewpoint: Bitumen markets eye pockets of demand
London, 19 December (Argus) — Paving activity may strengthen in some European and north African markets in 2026, but several others are expected to see continued declines in bitumen demand. Germany could lead any recovery, market participants said, as a new government plans to expand and maintain the road network. The country — once Europe's bitumen powerhouse — had a weak 2025, but paving work is expected to lift consumption from mid-2026. German bitumen demand has fallen by more than 20pc since 2021, while France and the UK are down by over 25pc in the same period. Budget constraints and high inflation drove these declines. Sweden, Norway and Denmark — already demand drivers in 2025 — could strengthen further in 2026. Road budgets are set to rise as governments prioritise infrastructure and the value of well-maintained highways, possibly linked to higher defence spending as Nato strengthens in Europe. North Africa has also drawn European Mediterranean surplus cargoes , and market participants expect demand from the region to increase next year, led by Algeria, Morocco and some Libyan consumption. Elsewhere, there is little cause for optimism. In France, most participants expect 2026 demand to be weaker than in 2025. With the government beset by regular upheaval and parlous public finances, road spending seems an unlikely priority. Several other northwest and central European countries will also see steady to lower bitumen consumption in 2026. Meanwhile, prospects for a peace deal between Ukraine and Russia remain slim, so a large upswing in Ukrainian import demand looks unlikely next year. Export opportunities outside Europe also appear limited, as Asia-Pacific and the Middle East remain well supplied and demand there stays slow. South Africa, now reliant on imports, is more likely to source from the Mideast Gulf or Pakistan than from the Mediterranean. The prospects of shipping product to the US could improve in the coming months, with Mediterranean bitumen values currently firm relative to crude and fuel oil. But large volumes seem unlikely. Some Mediterranean cargoes moved to the US last year, but the trend was short-lived. In the bitumen freight market, several new larger tankers will enter service in 2026, increasing vessel availability in what will still be a weak market. This could weigh on freight rates but help offset higher costs from the EU ETS scheme, which comes fully into effect in 2026 after its 2024 implementation. Bitumen prices fell in 2025 and are expected to stay under pressure through winter, before seasonal gains from March 2026. Markets should see greater strength relative to fuel oil in summer as bitumen demand typically rebounds then. Demand for bitumen was generally weaker across most European countries in 2025 than in 2024, weighing on prices. Budgets came under pressure and political challenges contributed to a lack of focus on infrastructure and road maintenance spending. Bitumen prices hit historic lows in 2025, partly offsetting inflation-driven increases in building, equipment and material costs. By Jonathan Weston Send comments and request more information at feedback@argusmedia.com Copyright © 2025. Argus Media group . All rights reserved.
Korrektur: Diesel in 2026 teurer als erwartet
Korrektur: Diesel in 2026 teurer als erwartet
In der ursprünglichen Version wurde die CO2-Abgabe inkorrekt angegeben. Dies wurde sowohl in der Tabelle als auch in der Grafik korrigiert. Hamburg, 18 December (Argus) — Händler bieten B7-Diesel für Januar mit einem Aufpreis von 10 €/100l bis 17 €/100l an, teurer als von Argus berechnet. Das ist der bisher höchste Preisanstieg zum Jahreswechsel, der durch eine Erhöhung der CO2-Abgabe und THG-Quote verursacht wurde. Argus hat einen theoretischen Aufschlag von 8,50 €/100l für B7-Diesel berechnet (siehe Grafik). Ein möglicher Grund für den deutlich höher ausfallenden Aufpreis für B7 ist, dass Händler die THG-Kosten aufgrund anhaltender Unsicherheiten anders berechnen als Argus . Das Bundeskabinett hat am 10. Dezember über die Umsetzung der Erneuerbaren Energien-Direktive (RED III) der EU in deutsches Gesetz abgestimmt. Dadurch herrscht im Markt mehr Klarheit mit Blick auf die gesetzlichen Rahmenbedingungen in 2026. Zuvor dürften die Preisen für das kommende Jahr vor allem durch die Unsicherheit bezüglich der genauen Umsetzung von RED III getrieben worden sein. Die THG-Quote wird 2026 von aktuell 10,6 % auf 12 % steigen, weshalb für das Inverkehrbringen fossiler Kraftstoffe mehr THG-Zertifikate vorgewiesen werden müssen. Bis zur Abstimmung am 10. Dezember gingen Marktteilnehmer davon aus, dass fortschrittliche Kraftstoffe künftig nicht mehr doppelt auf die Erfüllung der THG-Quote angerechnet werden dürfen. Dies hat sich nun bestätigt. Der künftige Wegfall der Doppelanrechnung könnte das Beimischen von Biokraftstoffen attraktiver machen und Preise für sowohl Biokraftstoffe und die Übertragung von THG-Zertifikaten erhöhen. Marktteilnehmer rechnen außerdem mit einem Rückgang der Biokraftstoff-Importe aus Asien, wodurch die Quotenerfüllung und somit auch fossile Kraftstoffe in Deutschland teurer werden könnten. Grund hierfür ist zum einen die geplante Abschaffung der Vertrauensschutzregelung , die Käufer unrechtmäßiger THG-Zertifikate vor Aberkennung schützt. Auch herrschte noch Unsicherheit darüber, wie genau die Unterquote für erneuerbare Kraftstoffe nicht-biogenen Urpsrungs (RFNBOs) — wie etwa e-Fuels und grüner Wasserstoff — gestaltet wird. Ein Entwurf vom November beinhaltete bei Nichterfüllung der RFNBO-Unterquote eine Pönale von etwa 120 €/GJ, statt der zuvor vorgeschlagenen 70 €/GJ. Dies wurde mit der Kabinettssitzung am 10. Dezember ebenfalls bestätigt. Auch bei der Einpreisung der CO2-Abgabe für das nächste Jahr sehen sich Händler weiterhin mit Unklarheiten konfrontiert. Einige Händler verwenden für Kalkulationen aktuell einen CO2-Preis von 68 €/t CO2e. Darüber hinaus wird auch die Unsicherheit bezüglich des Auktionsverfahrens eingepreist, da die Auktionen erst im Sommer beginnen und die konkreten CO2-Kosten bis dahin nicht eindeutig sind. Manche Händler planen daher zusätzliche Rücklagen, um etwaige Nachzahlungen decken zu können. Die CO2-Abgabe wird im kommenden Jahr von einem Festpreismodell bei aktuell 55 €/t CO2e in ein Auktionsverfahren übergeleitet, bei dem der Preis einer Emissionsberechtigung zwischen 55 € und 65 € schwanken kann. Eine Emissionsberechtigung entspricht dabei einer Tonne CO2-Äquivalent. Unternehmen, die bei Auktionen leer ausgehen, können nachträglich Emissionsberechtigungen zum Festpreis von 68 € nachkaufen. Außerdem könnte im Sekundärmarkt für Unternehmen, die nicht an Auktionen teilnehmen, der Preis noch höher liegen. Einige Inverkehrbringer halten sich aufgrund dieser regulatorischen Unklarheiten weiterhin mit der Bekanntgabe von Januarpreisen zurück, was die Unsicherheit im Markt zusätzlich verstärkt. Mit dem Kabinettsbeschluss vom 10. Dezember könnten Händler ihre Preisgestaltung für Januar konkretisieren. Für Heizöl liegen die gemeldeten Aufschläge etwa zwischen 2,50 €/100l bis 4,50 €/100l und stimmen somit ungefähr mit den Berechnungen von Argus überein. Von Marcel Pott CO2-Abgabe je 100l € Kosten pro t CO2 B0/HE B7 E5 E10 45 € 12.04 11.22 10.26 9.73 55 € 14.72 13.72 12.54 11.90 65 € 17.40 16.21 14.82 14.06 68 € 18.20 16.96 15.50 14.71 *B7 mit 6,8 l FAME; E5 mit 4,8 l Ethanol und E10 mit 9,66l Ethanol THG- Erfüllungskosten je 100l € B0 B7 E5 E10 2025 9,13 9,70 6,83 6,74 2026 16,33 14,99 11,68 10,72 *Erfüllung der THG-Quote durch Blending und Zukauf von Zertifikaten, Erfüllung des RFNBO-Mandats durch Pönale Kumulierte Kosten THG-Quote und CO2 Abgabe Senden Sie Kommentare und fordern Sie weitere Informationen an feedback@argusmedia.com Copyright © 2025. Argus Media group . Alle Rechte vorbehalten.
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