Argus Germany
As the largest economy and the largest energy consumer in Europe, Germany is central to the energy and commodity markets we cover. Our German team, based in Hamburg, provide detailed, insightful local commentary on these specialist markets every day with a range of dedicated services. Argus’ global expertise supports and enhances the solutions we offer German market participants, while our unique insight into the region proves invaluable to those trading with the country.
Key benefits
You can rely on our specialist coverage of the German energy and commodity markets
Trusted methodology
Argus price assessments are underpinned by the most robust, transparent and credible methodologies, developed with the industry to ensure our price assessments are a true reflection of how the markets trade
Local team, global view
With an experienced team based in Hamburg, Argus is uniquely positioned to provide the most local expertise and insights into the German markets and their unique needs, alongside global context and insight from the rest of the world
All key commodities
From oil and biofuels, to natural gas and hydrogen, to agriculture and fertilizers, Argus brings expert insight into prices and developments for all key energy and commodity markets
Consultative approach
We work with the market to provide you with what you need to better win opportunities and manage risk. Our team are in constant contact with industry experts from across the value chain.
Market reflective
Our prices are designed to reflect the realities of today’s physical markets. We keep pace with change and ensure that the insights we provide are relevant and valuable at all times.
Informative
Understand what is driving price trends and market developments, and what is coming next, with our insightful market commentary, analysis and forecasts.
Argus Germany Services
Comprehensive coverage of the energy and commodity markets
Fuels
Greenhouse gas savings quota
Biofuels
AdBlue
Natural gas
LPG
Small-scale LNG
Hydrogen
Bitumen
Freight
News
Article 6 credits 'could provide CBAM cost flexibility'
Article 6 credits 'could provide CBAM cost flexibility'
Lisbon, 2 April (Argus) — Allowing the use of credits issued under Article 6 of the Paris climate agreement for compliance with the EU's carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM) could provide flexibility for developing countries that lack the capacity to set up their own carbon pricing systems in response to the measure, delegates at a conference in Lisbon, Portugal, heard today. The CBAM regulation provides for a carbon price already paid on a product in its country of origin to be deducted from CBAM costs, providing an incentive for countries importing products covered by the measure to the EU to introduce equivalent carbon pricing systems. But developing countries often lack the capacity to enact such policies, the chief sustainability and innovation officer at ACT Group, Federico di Credico, told delegates, and allowing the use of Article 6 credits for compliance could provide an alternative. This could in one form take place implicitly, di Credico said, if CBAM liabilities are adjusted down in relation to pricing systems that themselves allow some compliance using Article 6 credits. An example of this is Singapore, where 5pc of the country's carbon tax can be offset through the purchase of Article 6 internationally traded mitigation outcomes (Itmos). A more direct inclusion of Article 6 credits for compliance could entail a calculation on a euro-for-euro basis, di Credico suggested, for example reducing a CBAM liability of €100 to €50 if the importer has purchased €50-worth of Article 6 credits. Using a tonne-for-tonne basis would not work because the CBAM is not volume based, he said. But the uncertainty surrounding Article 6 credits means that their inclusion would bring an added layer of complexity to the CBAM, Cedric de Meeus of cement producer Holcim said. Article 6 credits are not usable in the EU emissions trading system (ETS), which forms the reference price for the CBAM, he pointed out, while not all activities producing Article 6 credits would be equivalent to the deep decarbonisation being carried out by European industry. It remains unclear how the EU will take into account carbon prices in other jurisdictions for the purposes of the CBAM. The CBAM regulation includes the ability to credit a "carbon price… effectively paid in the country of origin" but does not define what falls within this term, and the implementing regulation that will provide further detail on the matter has not yet been tabled. Article 6 of the Paris deal provides for two carbon pricing mechanisms allowing countries to collaborate voluntarily to reduce their emissions. Article 6.2, which is already fully operational, produces Itmos through bilateral agreements on emissions reduction or removal projects, while Article 6.4 establishes the soon-to-be-implemented Paris Agreement Crediting Mechanism (Pacm), a UN-regulated global carbon crediting system. By Victoria Hatherick Send comments and request more information at feedback@argusmedia.com Copyright © 2025. Argus Media group . All rights reserved.
Transition technology draws energy R&D spend: IEA
Transition technology draws energy R&D spend: IEA
London, 2 April (Argus) — Public and corporate spending on energy research and development (R&D) is "trending upwards", with a focus on "low-emissions" technology, but venture capital investment in energy start-ups dropped last year, energy watchdog the IEA found. Government and corporate energy R&D spending increased to $50bn and over $160bn, respectively, in 2023 — the latest year for which full data are available, the IEA said. There are "early indications of continued growth in 2024", although the pace of growth has "slowed slightly" since 2022, it added. But "the momentum of investing in low-emissions energy technologies has been maintained", partly on the back of climate policy goals, the IEA noted. The share of "low-emissions" energy R&D spending has held at "roughly four-fifths of the global total" in recent years, the IEA said. It defines low-emissions energy as renewable power, grids and storage, energy efficiency, nuclear and "low-emissions fuels". Venture capital investments in energy start-ups totalled around $27bn in 2024, 23pc lower on the year, the IEA found. This reflects the "cyclical nature" of venture capital, as well as a drop in funding owed to inflation, but the trend "could have long-term negative impacts as innovators struggle to scale up high-potential technologies without access to affordable capital", the watchdog noted. The IEA also suggested that "the situation is compounded by uncertainties about political commitments to the climate policies that many start-ups depend on to drive demand". But venture capital financing rose in 2024 for start-ups focused on nuclear, synthetic fuels and carbon capture, use and storage (CCUS), it found. CCUS and "novel CDR" — carbon removal — technologies have drawn more venture capital funding in recent years, and sector R&D "is being spurred on by private capital mobilised by carbon credits", the IEA said. There are multiple ways to capture and store CO2, but many are at very early stages, while most funding goes towards just two approaches — direct air capture and bioenergy with CCS, its report found. By Georgia Gratton Send comments and request more information at feedback@argusmedia.com Copyright © 2025. Argus Media group . All rights reserved.
Sulacid demand from Indonesian buyer muted: Correction
Sulacid demand from Indonesian buyer muted: Correction
Corrects volume in paragraph 5 to 106,000t from 160,000t London, 2 April (Argus) — Sulphuric acid demand from Indonesian battery metals producer PT QMB New Energy Materials (QMB) slowed in March and into April, with the firm carrying out plant maintenance following a landslide. Morowali Industrial Park in central Sulawesi was hit by a landslide after heavy rain on 22 March, resulting in three fatalities. QMB's high-pressure acid leaching plants are likely to be off line for a minimum of three weeks. The company was approached for comment. A large vessel line-up at Bahodopi has also curbed demand from one of Indonesia's largest acid importers. There are currently six vessels waiting to discharge at Bahodopi, carrying a combined 106,000t of acid. Some have been waiting since early March. It is unclear when the congestion will ease, given the QMB outage. Some traders are looking at diverting cargoes to destinations including India's east coast or Chile. QMB's Bahodopi sulphuric acid receipts were disrupted earlier this year after the company exhausted its import quota — this was only renewed in mid-February, for up to 600,000 t/yr. Indonesian sulphuric acid imports totalled 1.08mn t in 2024, slightly down from 2023's record 1.09mn t, with QMB receiving much of this. By Lili Minton and Deon Ngee Send comments and request more information at feedback@argusmedia.com Copyright © 2025. Argus Media group . All rights reserved.
Q&A: LGE still pushing EU for RLG concessions
Q&A: LGE still pushing EU for RLG concessions
London, 2 April (Argus) — European LPG association Liquid Gas Europe (LGE) continues to push to secure EU and member state support for renewable liquid gases (RLG) such as bioLPG and renewable DME (rDME) while protecting customers of LPG and autogas from policies intended to transition away from fossil fuels. Argus' Dafydd ab Iago and Matt Scotland spoke to LGE general manager Ewa Abramiuk-Lete: What is the EU's latest position on CO2-neutral fuels in road transport? The European Commission's 2023 regulation proposes a framework for registering vehicles after 2035 that operate solely on CO2-neutral fuels in accordance with EU law and climate neutrality objectives. Since then, the commission has been tasked with developing a definition of what CO2-neutral fuels are, but no official information has been released yet. Meanwhile, as part of the broader fuels industry, we've collaborated in a technical group to formulate a definition that encompasses all renewable fuels in line with the EU's renewable energy directive [RED III]. The group's report frequently makes reference to renewable LPG and DME. But will the commission consider anything other than e-fuels? Certain EU commissioners and commission president Ursula von der Leyen have emphasised the need for technological neutrality when revising CO2 standards for cars. The devil is in the details. At this point, there is talk, but we've yet to see any concrete proposals or indications from the commission. We are closely monitoring the current developments in the commission, primarily to determine whether the concept of technological neutrality is being practically implemented and if there is potential for more than just e-fuels and hydrogen. But the push for this concept should originate from member states. Failing to broaden the scope would be a missed opportunity to support a broader range of cost-effective, immediately deployable renewable solutions like RLGs and rDME. When could we find out what fuels are included? A decision may come later this year. Any initiative to reopen or amend EU legislation must come from the commission. Recent intense discussions in the European Parliament about the state of the automotive sector, as well as growing pressure from member states, could be enough to persuade the commission to act. What has been the reaction to the EU's clean industrial deal and state aid rules? We are still reviewing the new state aid proposals. At first glance, RLGs seem to be included. The commission indicates that all fuels compliant with [RED III] — such as bioLPG, biomethane and rDME — are eligible for support. Fossil fuels are generally excluded, with limited exceptions for natural gas under strict conditions. The justification for this is that natural gas is deemed cleaner than more polluting alternatives — an argument that equally applies to LPG. In which direction is the EU discussion on energy taxation heading? The European Council is still finalising the energy taxation directive. The matter lies with EU member states, which must vote unanimously on energy taxation. Progress is being made slowly. The current Polish Presidency of the Council of the EU will need to determine the next steps on critical issues before a consensus can be reached. For LPG, what is at stake is whether RLGs are fairly treated under the new tax framework — and whether the directive allows for differentiation between renewable and conventional fuels, and between business and non-business uses. How will the energy performance of buildings directive (EPBD) affect LPG? A lot is quite technical, but also vital for the sector. One key issue is the inconsistent implementation of the EPBD across EU member states. Guidance documents provide definitions of what constitutes a fossil fuel boiler, which is essential as several member states are preparing to phase out such boilers between 2035 and 2040. A significant question [is whether there will be] recognition of renewable-ready or renewable-compatible boilers, particularly those using bioLPG or rDME. We are analysing how member states are interpreting and implementing these provisions. In Italy, there is strong support for the continued use of bioLPG in heating, but this level of recognition varies significantly between member states. What is the latest on the EU's proposed restrictions on PFAS ? The European Chemicals Agency is conducting a socio-economic assessment as part of the EU's proposed restriction on PFAS under Reach, covering many industrial uses. In the LPG sector, PFAS — particularly fluoropolymers such as PTFE — play a critical role in cylinders, tanks and valves. These materials are essential for preventing leaks in systems that store and transport flammable gases. Some alternatives are being tested — including PFAS-free sealing techniques used by certain companies in Spain — but they are not yet widely adopted or validated across the EU. Promising developments are being made but require further testing to meet safety standards. Your recent RLG Outlook models European RLG output reaching 27.4mn t/yr by 2050 under the policy conditions. Is that not too optimistic given limited progress in the past two years and the dissolution of rDME joint venture Dimeta? While the dissolution of Dimeta was a setback, it does not change the long-term outlook for rDME. Our 2050 modelling shows that Europe could produce up to 27.4mn t/yr of renewable LPG equivalent, of which up to 40pc could come from rDME. The industry continues to see strong potential in rDME, and essential work is progressing on technical standardisation, and safety and blending rules. Our analysis also indicates that sustainable feedstocks are sufficient to fulfil this production potential. Out of 22 production pathways, we examined nine in detail based on a multi-criteria analysis. Only two are fully commercialised at present. This is why we are advocating for co-ordinated policy action — to accelerate commercialisation and mitigate investment risks. Will rDME be a core focus at LGE's Congress in Katowice over 20-22 May? RDME will be one of many key topics at the congress. The event will take place in Poland, drawing strong participation from central and eastern European markets, as well as from further afield, with delegates expected from the US, South America, Africa, Australia and Asia. [LGE] plans to present the RLG Outlook and explore opportunities for scaling up RLG production. In addition, sessions will focus on the role of LPG in agriculture, transport and heating — all critical sectors for the energy transition. Central Europe and Poland will be a core point of discussion, given its significant autogas market and ongoing energy security challenges. We will also address the impact of Russian sanctions on the Polish LPG market, with high-level representatives from the Polish presidency and industry ministry in attendance. Send comments and request more information at feedback@argusmedia.com Copyright © 2025. Argus Media group . All rights reserved.
Testimonial
German market participants are increasingly turning to Argus for our valuable, unique insights into the local and global markets. See what one client has to say about how Argus has supported their business.
“Argus has helped us reduce pricing risk through faster, uncomplicated access to independent data” - Kuttenkeuler Group
Services
Key German price assessments
About Argus and O.M.R.
In July 2020, O.M.R. Oil Market Report was integrated into Argus Media's German subsidiary, Argus Media Germany, and now operates under the Argus Media name.
Both Argus Media, established in 1970, and O.M.R. Oil Market Report, established in 1985, were founded as family businesses. Now, they combine their long history and extensive experience in market reporting.
Our team of experts are in daily exchange with market participants in Germany and around the world, providing you with trusted prices, latest news and useful analyses on the German and northwest European markets.
Useful resources
Contact details
We welcome comments and feedback from you. If you would like to discuss certain topics in more detail, please contact us.
- Telephone: +49 (0) 40 8090 3717
- E-Mail: germanfuels@argusmedia.com
Conferences
Argus Biofuels Europe Conference & Exhibition
Argus Biofuels Europe Conference & Exhibition
Argus Road Fuels Europe Conference
Argus Road Fuels Europe Conference
Argus Clean Ammonia Europe Conference
Argus Clean Ammonia Europe Conference
