Warmer spring weather weighs on European propane, gasoil as heating needs fade

Warmer spring temperatures across Northwest Europe have reduced demand for heating fuels, pushing propane prices to their lowest premium in seven months and leaving gasoil markets with significantly lower buying interest.

Platts, part of S&P Global Energy, assessed the propane FCA ARA price at an $87/metric ton premium to the propane CIF ARA large cargo price on April 22, marking the lowest premium since Sept. 17, when it stood at $79.75/mt.

The decline reflects reduced heating demand as temperatures in European cities including London, Paris and Frankfurt are expected to hit over 20 degrees Celsius in the week ending April 26, Windy.com data showed.

The warmer weather has already begun to weigh on heating needs throughout the continent, with propane FCA rail car and truck prices in the Amsterdam-Rotterdam-Antwerp hub falling to their lowest level since September 2025.

Other heating fuels have also felt the slide in demand, with buying appetite for 50 ppm and 0.1% gasoil heard to be significantly lower.

"[There is] no demand for heating oil!" a Europe-based gasoil market player said.

"There is not much demand with this weather, so 0.1% gasoil is more of a blending component now," said a second gasoil market participant said.

Ample supply has also been weighing on heating fuel prices. The gasoil market is amply supplied with flows from the US, according to market players, while propane sources described strong refinery supply in Northwest Europe.

"There is definitely pressure at the refineries on the supplier side because end consumer demand really broke down," a propane trading source said.

Propane is a highly seasonal product, with winter months seeing sharp price spikes as heating demand rises.

However, during the summer, demand declines significantly, and the petrochemical sector becomes the principal outlet for propane, since its lower price makes it more attractive as a feedstock.