22 July 2026
Alkagesta Market Insights analysis on Malta’s bunkering market has been featured by both Ship & Bunker and Manifold Times, highlighting a rapid structural shift away from fuel oil and toward distillate marine fuels across the island.
The analysis shows fuel oil volumes falling roughly 35% year-on-year between January and May 2026, while demand for DMA marine gasoil rose sharply over the same period, driven by the Mediterranean Emission Control Area and reduced terminal capacity on the island. VPS fuel testing data covering the Mediterranean’s largest bunkering ports points to a similar trend across the region, with Valletta recording one of the sharpest shifts — VLSFO dropping 57%, MGO more than tripling, and ULSFO rising from 2,821 mt to 34,535 mt.
The coverage also includes remarks from Darren Axisa, Malta Country Manager, on how the convergence of the ECA, FuelEU Maritime, and EU ETS is reshaping shipowner behaviour, and what will determine Malta’s long-term standing as a competitive Mediterranean bunkering hub.
The full articles are available here Ship&Bunker and Manifold Times.