European commodity, energy and shipping intelligence
Author
Elise Vermeer covers crude and refined product markets from Rotterdam, with a focus on ARA storage, refining economics and product arbitrage.
The European physical gasoline market experienced significant prompt tightness and steep backwardation in August 2026, driven by a structural deficit of high-octane blending components, historic logistical bottlenecks on the Rhine River, and robust summer demand in Southern Europe.
Alkagesta has been approved to participate in the Platts Market on Close (MOC) assessment process for physical naphtha in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA), reflecting the growth of its trading activities in the region.
Orkhan Rustamov, CEO of Alkagesta, recently contributed an opinion piece to European Business Magazine, asserting that the global oil market is undergoing a fundamental structural transformation, making a return to previous stable pricing unrealistic.
European jet fuel supply is coming under pressure as reduced Middle East flows lift prices and raise concern over aviation inventories before summer demand.
Alkagesta has secured Antwerp biofuel storage at Pantank to support European flows of biodiesel and renewable fuel feedstocks.
Alkagesta commodity trading operations use Malta as a hub for risk, finance and global flow decisions, alongside staff development across 17 offices and representations.
Alkagesta West Africa expansion plans are focusing on Côte d’Ivoire, where the group presented steel venture Alkavex and assessed petroleum opportunities.
Alkagesta jet fuel supply operations will use the Central Europe Pipeline System to serve Brussels, Frankfurt and other aviation hubs from spring 2026.
Alkagesta Asia raised monthly bunker sales to about 200,000 tonnes by January 2026, supported by Singapore storage and new LSMGO supply.
Singapore bunkering growth has continued at Alkagesta, according to a Ship Energy report published on 20 January 2026.
ISCC CORSIA certification enables Alkagesta to trade and supply eligible sustainable aviation fuel under international aviation sustainability requirements.
Alkagesta expansion in 2025 included new biofuels, naphtha and steel activities alongside increased operations in Africa, Asia and Eastern Europe.
Alkagesta biofuels trading operations are connecting smaller feedstock suppliers with European biodiesel, HVO and sustainable aviation fuel producers.
Alkagesta IBIA membership will give the Malta-based commodity trader a forum for engagement as it expands its marine fuel and biofuel activities.
The Alkanavex joint venture combines Alkagesta’s commodity operations with French steel trader Navex’s sourcing and customer network.
