You are using an outdated browser For a better experience using this site, please upgrade to a modern web browser. Subscribe Get Daily Email Subscribe --> Contact Us Sign in Home News & Features Compliance Costs Bunker Prices Bunker Intelligence EMEA News Latest Features World Americas EMEA Asia/Pacific Home News & Features EMEA Fuel Oil Sales Slide as Malta's Bunker Market Turns to Distillates: Alkagesta Fuel Oil Sales Slide as Malta's Bunker Market Turns to Distillates: Alkagesta by Ship & Bunker News Team Tuesday July 21, 2026 Tweet Follow @shipandbunker Alkagesta says reduced terminal capacity and stricter sulfur emission rules are reshaping Malta's bunker fuel mix. File Image / Pixabay Malta 's bunker market is undergoing a rapid shift towards distillate marine fuels after reduced terminal capacity and stricter sulfur regulations weighed on fuel oil demand, according to Alkagesta Market Insights . The company said on Monday that fuel oil volumes fell by around 35% year on year between January and May , dropping from about 382,000 mt in 2025 to 247,000 mt in 2026 . Over the same period, demand for DMA marine gasoil moved in the opposite direction, rising from around 150,000 mt in the first four months of 2025 to 247,000 mt in the corresponding period this year. Alkagesta said the trend reflects both the introduction of the Mediterranean Emission Control Area (ECA) and temporary disruptions to heavy fuel availability caused by reduced terminal capacity across the island. The Mediterranean ECA, which entered into force on May 1, 2025 , has significantly altered bunker fuel demand across the region. “ Geography gives Malta an advantage Citing fuel testing agency VPS data , Alkagesta said VLSFO volumes across the Mediterranean's ten largest bunkering ports fell by 23% during the first six months after the regulation took effect, while marine gasoil volumes more than doubled and ULSFO demand quadrupled. Valletta recorded an even sharper shift. VLSFO volum