Netherlands goes back into lockdown over Omicron fears

: Oil products
21/12/19

The Netherlands will today go into another nationwide lockdown in an effort to contain the spread of the new Omicron variant of Covid-19.

"The Netherlands is again shutting down," Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said late on 18 December. "That is unavoidable because of the fifth wave that is coming at us with the Omicron variant."

Under the new measures, all non-essential shops, such as restaurants, cinemas, museums, gyms, will be closed until 14 January, the Dutch government said. Essential shops such as supermarkets and chemists, however, can remain open until 8pm local time. Face masks will remain mandatory and the maximum number of shoppers is one per 5 square metres. Other entities, such as petrol stations, pharmacies, libraries, driving schools, notaries' offices and lawyers' offices can open for their normal hours.

Events will not be permitted during this period except for funerals, weekly markets selling groceries and professional sports matches, although the latter will only take place behind closed doors. Schools will be closed from 20 December until 9 January.

The prime minister urged people to stay at home and has limited the number of visitors in households to no more than two. Outdoor gatherings are also limited to a maximum of two people, although the allowance will rise to four in each household during the Christmas holidays running from 24 to 26 December, on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.

Restrictions were already in place in the Netherlands since the middle of last month after the government imposed an evening curfew in response to a rise in new Covid-19 cases.

The new decision comes after the Dutch Outbreak Management Team (OMT) said that the Omicron variant is expected to be the dominant variant in the country by the end of this month — sooner than previously expected — which could, in turn, overburden the healthcare system by January.

A rise in Covid-19 cases in Europe has already prompted a number of regional governments to impose various rules designed to prevent the spread of the Delta and Omicron virus variants.

Austria was the first country in the region to impose a full lockdown from 22 November to 12 December. France banned the entry of travellers from the UK effective 18 December, while Denmark has, as of today, closed theatres, concert halls, amusement parks and museums. Ireland, also from today, has imposed an 8pm curfew on pubs and bars and limited attendance at indoor and outdoor events through 30 January.

These kinds of restrictions may dampen road diesel demand in December, and in turn the outlook for European diesel demand in the first quarter of 2022. According to market participants, European gasoline supply remains fairly tight, although that could change if governments opt to introduce more intense travel restrictions this winter.

But the International Energy Agency (IEA) forecasts that a renewed reluctance to use public transport because of the new Omicron variant should support gasoline demand over the coming months, even as the virus-response measures limit movement.

By Sarah Raffoul

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25/12/16

US House clears hurdle to pass permitting bill

Washington, 16 December (Argus) — Republicans in the US House of Representatives have overcome an initial obstacle to passing a marquee permitting overhaul bill after committing to vote on key amendments that would strip out potential benefits for offshore wind. Republicans in the House voted 215-209 in a vote on Tuesday to approve a rule that will dictate the terms of debate for votes later this week on the SPEED Act, which has become the focus of bipartisan efforts to fast-track the permitting process for pipelines, electric transmission lines, railroads and other infrastructure. A group of far-right conservatives initially voted against the rule, but most reversed course during the vote in exchange for revisions that have yet to be made public. The Tuesday vote was one of the last remaining hurdles to House passage of the SPEED Act, which is expected to pick up some Democratic votes when it comes up for a final vote later this week. The House majority typically is responsible for putting up all the votes for a rule, meaning it would only take a few Republicans to block bill debate. Republicans were uncertain they would have enough votes for the rule, as far-right conservatives such as US representative Andy Harris (R-Maryland) and others were lobbying for changes. On Monday, US representative August Pfluger (R-Texas) urged attendees of a conference to put as "much effort as you possibly can" into persuading wavering Republicans to support the permitting bill. Pfluger is the chair of the Republican Study Commission, a caucus that represents a majority of House Republicans. "Go talk to them and let them know how important this is," Pfluger said during an event organized by the think tank the Conservative Coalition for Climate Solutions. Ahead of the vote, an industry coalition on Tuesday released a joint letter offering "strong support" for the bill. Among the signatories were the American Petroleum Institute, the US Chamber of Commerce, the Association of American Railroads and the US LNG Association. President Donald Trump has yet to take an explicit position on the SPEED Act, but administration officials are optimistic permitting legislation could be enacted. "I think we are at a time where the chance of a real permitting reform bill is higher maybe than it's ever been," US energy secretary Chris Wright said at the event on Monday. The SPEED Act would focus on the implementation of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), a decades-old law that requires federal agencies to prepare environmental reviews of infrastructure projects. Pipeline companies and renewable energy developers alike blame the law for costly delays, both because of the time it takes for agencies to issue reviews and then the risks that permits will be thrown out because of lawsuits. The bill would narrow the scope of environmental reviews, aligning with a unanimous US Supreme Court ruling this summer. But the bill's most significant changes would make permits more durable. Even if a court found a NEPA review was flawed, the bill would keep permits intact during further analysis. And in a last-minute change, the bill would offer more permit "certainty" by limiting the government's ability to rescind prior approvals. That could protect pipeline permits such as the now-canceled Keystone XL pipeline, while also stopping Trump from halting more offshore wind projects. But the permit certainty language drew concern from far-right conservatives who oppose offshore wind. House Republicans in response agreed to vote on an amendment sponsored by Harris and others that would remove the "permit certainty" changes. Two other amendment votes also backed by Harris would stop expedited permitting treatment in the SPEED Act for offshore wind or any project that Trump has sought to block. Passage of those amendments could cost some Democratic support for the bill. Even if the bill passes, it is expected to be subject to major changes in the US Senate to attract enough support from Democrats to prevent a filibuster. Senate Democrats are hoping to insert language that would prevent what they describe as a "solar ban" being enforced by the Trump administration. By Chris Knight Send comments and request more information at feedback@argusmedia.com Copyright © 2025. Argus Media group . All rights reserved.

EU-Kommission möchte Verbrenner-Aus abschwächen

25/12/16

EU-Kommission möchte Verbrenner-Aus abschwächen

Hamburg, 16 December (Argus) — Die Europäische Kommission hat einen neuen Vorschlag für eine Reduzierung der Flottenemissionen von Pkw um 90 % bis 2035 vorgelegt. Damit ersetzt sie das zuvor vereinbarte Ziel von 100 %, das faktisch das Aus für Fahrzeuge mit Verbrennungsmotor bedeutet hätte. Der Plan würde erlauben, dass einige Fahrzeuge mit Verbrennungsmotor auch nach 2035 weiter genutzt werden dürfen — neben Plug-in-Hybriden, Reichweitenverlängerern und Mild-Hybriden sowie Elektro- und Wasserstoffautos. Die verbleibenden 10 % der Emissionen müssten laut Kommission durch den Einsatz von CO2-armen Stahl, eFuels oder Biokraftstoffen ausgeglichen werden. Die Vorschläge müssen sowohl vom Europäischen Parlament als auch von den EU-Mitgliedstaaten mehrheitlich angenommen werden. Automobilhersteller könnten dann zwischen 2030 und 2032 Emissionsgutschriften "ansparen und ausleihen", um das bestehende Ziel einer 55 %igen Reduzierung gegenüber 2021 zu erreichen. Nach den neuen Vorschlägen müssten Hersteller, die diese Möglichkeiten nutzen, nur eine durchschnittliche Reduzierung von 40 % erreichen — statt der bisher geplanten 50 %. Die Kommission erklärte, dass Gutschriften für Treibhausgaseinsparungen durch eFuels und Biokraftstoffe bis zu 3 % der Ziele für 2035 ausgleichen können, während Gutschriften für CO2-armen Stahl weitere 7 % kompensieren dürfen. Verkehrskommissar Apostolos Tzitzikostas sagte, das Gutschriftensystem werde die Nutzung nachhaltiger Kraftstoffe fördern: "Dies ist ein klares Signal, dass auch andere Technologien als batterieelektrische Fahrzeuge (BEV) nach 2035 auf den Markt gebracht werden können." Erweiterte Kriterien für CO2-Neutralität würden es ermöglichen, dass nachhaltige Biokraftstoffe zur Erreichung der derzeit ab 2035 geforderten 0 g/km beitragen. Der europäische Interessenverband für erneuerbares Ethanol ePure erklärte, dass die Emissionen von Ethanol im Jahr 2024 um 79 % niedriger lagen als bei fossilen Brennstoffen – wie bereits in den Vorjahren. Der Europäische Biodieselverband setzt Einsparungen von 77 bis 81 % für Biodiesel an, basierend auf dem offiziellen Vergleichswert für fossile Brennstoffe von 94 g CO2e/MJ. Der deutsche Europaabgeordnete Peter Liese kritisierte das ursprüngliche Verbot von Verbrennungsmotoren, sagte jedoch, die Probleme der Industrie seien auf Marktveränderungen zurückzuführen, nicht auf Brüssel. "Die Industrie muss aufhören, Brüssel für ihre eigenen Fehler und für Marktentwicklungen, etwa in China, verantwortlich zu machen", sagte er — und fügte hinzu, dass er sich für die Anerkennung von grünem Stahl vor 2035 einsetzen werde. Von Dafydd ab Iago und Johannes Guhlke Senden Sie Kommentare und fordern Sie weitere Informationen an feedback@argusmedia.com Copyright © 2025. Argus Media group . Alle Rechte vorbehalten.

EU eases ICE phase-out with 2035 CO2 car target: Update

25/12/16

EU eases ICE phase-out with 2035 CO2 car target: Update

Adds details on credits, transport commissioner comment in paragraphs 4-6 Brussels, 16 December (Argus) — The European Commission has proposed a new 90pc cut in car fleet emissions by 2035, replacing the previously agreed 100pc target that would have effectively phased out the sale of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles from that date The plan would allow some new ICE vehicles to remain on sale beyond 2035, alongside plug-in hybrids, range extenders and mild hybrids, as well as electric and hydrogen cars. The remaining 10pc of emissions would need to be offset through low-carbon steel, e-fuels or biofuels, according to the commission. The proposals need to be adopted by a majority in the European Parliament and among EU states. Automakers could also "bank and borrow" credits between 2030-32 to help meet the existing 2030 target of a 55pc cut from 2021 levels. Under the new proposals, manufacturers using these flexibilities would only need to achieve a 40pc fleet-average reduction, down from a previously planned 50pc. The commission indicated that credits for greenhouse gas (GHG) savings from e-fuels and biofuels can compensate up to 3pc of manufacturers' reference targets for 2035 and low-carbon steel credits can compensate for a further 7pc. Transport commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas said the credit system will boost uptake of sustainable fuels. "This is a clear signal than other technologies than battery electric vehicles (BEV) can be put on the market after 2035," said Tzitzikostas. Expanded carbon-neutral criteria would allow sustainable biofuels to help meet the targets that currently require 0g/km from 2035. EU renewable ethanol group ePure said emissions from ethanol were 79pc lower than fossil fuels in 2024, in line with previous years. The European Biodiesel Board reported savings of 77-81pc for biodiesel, using the official fossil fuel comparator of 94g of CO2e/MJ. German MEP Peter Liese criticised the original ICE ban, but said industry problems stem from market shifts, not from Brussels. "The industry must stop shifting the blame for its own mistakes and for market developments, for example in China, onto Brussels," he said, adding that he will push for green steel recognition before 2035. By Dafydd ab Iago Send comments and request more information at feedback@argusmedia.com Copyright © 2025. Argus Media group . All rights reserved.

EU eases ICE phase-out with new 2035 CO2 car target

25/12/16

EU eases ICE phase-out with new 2035 CO2 car target

Brussels, 16 December (Argus) — The European Commission has proposed a new 90pc cut in car fleet emissions by 2035, replacing the previously agreed 100pc target that would have effectively phased out internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. The plan would allow some ICE vehicles to remain in use beyond 2035, alongside plug-in hybrids, range extenders and mild hybrids, as well as electric and hydrogen cars. The remaining 10pc of emissions would need to be offset through low-carbon steel, e-fuels or biofuels, according to the commission. The proposals need to be adopted by a majority in the European Parliament and among EU states. Automakers could also "bank and borrow" credits between 2030-32 to help meet the existing 2030 target of a 55pc cut from 2021 levels. Under the new proposals, manufacturers using these flexibilities would only need to achieve a 40pc fleet-average reduction, down from a previously planned 50pc. Expanded carbon-neutral criteria would allow sustainable biofuels to help meet the targets that currently require 0g/km from 2035. EU renewable ethanol group ePure said emissions from ethanol were 79pc lower than fossil fuels in 2024, in line with previous years. The European Biodiesel Board reported savings of 77-81pc for biodiesel, using the official fossil fuel comparator of 94g of CO2e/MJ. German MEP Peter Liese criticised the original ICE ban, but said industry problems stem from market shifts, not from Brussels. "The industry must stop shifting the blame for its own mistakes and for market developments, for example in China, onto Brussels," he said, adding that he will push for green steel recognition before 2035. By Dafydd ab Iago Send comments and request more information at feedback@argusmedia.com Copyright © 2025. Argus Media group . All rights reserved.

Viewpoint: European HVO prices unlikely to ease in 2026

25/12/16

Viewpoint: European HVO prices unlikely to ease in 2026

London, 16 December (Argus) — Northwest European hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) premiums have firmed on the year in 2025, setting the stage for continued strength as the market braces for higher blending targets in 2026. Premiums strengthen ahead of 2026 targets The Argus HVO Class II fob ARA premium to gasoil averaged $1,075/m³ during January-November, compared with $683/m³ in 2024. The premium firmed to $1,650/m³ on 21 October — a more than three-year high — driven by stronger demand from obligated parties rushing to meet RED targets before the end of the year. Increased consumption against relatively stable production has tightened supplies, and planned maintenance closures at European and Chinese facilities during the fourth quarter may continue to support values into early 2026. Germany's planned legislative changes in 2026 abolishing double-counting of Annex IX feedstocks could significantly boost HVO demand, as higher absolute volumes of biofuel will be needed to meet GHG reduction quotas, which then supports demand for drop-in fuels like HVO. The Netherlands is also planning an end to double counting and a switch to a greenhouse gas savings-based mandate, which could amplify demand in 2026. Trading activity reflects the bullish demand outlook — 888,000t of Class II futures traded on Ice in October, surpassing the previous record of 717,500t in June. Open interest now extends to December 2026, signalling confidence in sustained liquidity. Spot market activity has also picked up in 2025, with Argus Open Markets (AOM) volumes traded for HVO Class II reaching 122,000t in January to November 2025, surpassing the 2024 total of 44,000t. Producers tilt towards HVO over SAF EU sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) targets kicked in at 2pc this year and with this, producers are recalibrating output strategies. Definitive EU anti-dumping duties on Chinese biodiesel and HVO were imposed in February , and EU anti-dumping and anti-subsidy measures already apply to HVO and biodiesel originating from the US and Canada. The China duties do not apply to SAF, but US duties do. HVO and SAF are made from oils and fats via hydrotreatment, but HVO requires fewer processing steps, usually making it the cheaper grade. But HVO Class II has often maintained a premium over SAF throughout 2025 because of different market fundamentals. This encouraged European producers to maximise HVO output over SAF. But tight SAF supply towards year-end — driven by export restrictions from China — pushed SAF premiums above Class II, with the SAF premium over HVO averaging $292/t in November. In October, some additional Chinese producers secured SAF export licences, and with the SAF mandate remaining at 2pc in 2026, European producers are expected to favour HVO production while SAF imports from duty-free China and Singapore fill the gap. The UK Trade Remedies Authority said in late November that it plans to recommend that the government places countervailing duties on US-origin HVO from March. Imports of US HVO into the UK have already declined this year because of the ongoing investigation, and participants expect volumes to fall further. To meet mandates, the UK is expected to lean more heavily on used cooking oil-based biodiesel, while some blenders may also look to secure supply from Nordic producers. By-products soften The Argus bionaphtha fob ARA price averaged $1,541/t in January-November, compared with $1,675/t across 2024. Despite the decline, premiums have recently been supported by stronger HVO and SAF prices, with used cooking oil-based bionaphtha a viable drop-in blending alternative to meet mandates. Looking ahead, participants expect that firm HVO prices will sustain higher bionaphtha premiums in 2026, while voluntary demand, particularly from petrochemical manufacturing, could provide additional support to the market. The biopropane premium to its propane counterpart at the ARA hub fell during 2025, with third quarter levels hitting record lows since Argus began the assessment in October 2023. Argus biopropane fca ARA outright averaged around $1,408/t in January–November, down from $1,597/t in 2024. Although HVO and SAF output have boosted biopropane supply, demand remains constrained without mandated use. Looking ahead, premiums are expected to stay capped unless government incentives accelerate adoption . By Evelina Lungu Send comments and request more information at feedback@argusmedia.com Copyright © 2025. Argus Media group . All rights reserved.

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