Biodiesel consumption in Germany grew by 12% in 2025 and will continue to increase, supporting rapeseed prices

In 2025, biodiesel consumption in Germany increased by 12% compared to the previous year to 2.2 million tons, with a monthly consumption record of almost 215 thousand tons set in February. At the same time, the use of the additive HVO (hydrogen-treated oil) in blends decreased by 17%, as refiners preferred to meet environmental quotas through cheaper biodiesel within the framework of the B7 standard fuel, according to the German Oilseed and Grain Promotion Union (UFOP).

Despite the decrease in the share of HVO in blends, sales of HVO100 reached a record 132.7 thousand tons, although this fuel is more expensive than traditional biodiesel. At the same time, sales of pure biodiesel B100 fell to a minimum level.

In 2026, experts expect demand to increase as the quota for reducing greenhouse gas emissions will increase from 10.6% to 12.1% and double counting rules will be revised.

At the same time, UFOP experts are concerned about the delay in the publication of official data on the consumption of biofuels and fossil fuels by the Federal Office (BAFA), which does not allow businesses to quickly assess the market and plan purchases against the background of changing environmental standards. The publication of current data on the use of biofuels will lead to an adjustment in prices for rapeseed and other agricultural products that are raw materials for biofuel production.

The 50% increase in oil prices caused by the war with Iran supports demand for biofuels, but there is no sharp increase in demand, so August rapeseed futures on the Paris stock exchange increased by only 8.2% during the war to €509.75/t or $602.9/t.