Germany’s Energy Demand Falls as High Prices Hit Oil Consumption

Germany’s energy demand dropped by 1.9% over the first half of the year on surging oil and gas prices, according to preliminary data released by the Working Group on Energy Balances (AGEB), an association of German economic and energy organizations. Oil product consumption in the period fell by 8%, with the decline especially marked in diesel consumption, which was down by close to 6%. Gasoline consumption, on the other hand, fell by a much more moderate 0.6%, dpa reported, citing AGEB figures. Jet fuel consumption fell by 1% while light…

Refining & Products Context

Downstream margins — or crack spreads — have experienced considerable volatility as refinery operators navigate feedstock cost fluctuations, product demand seasonality, and evolving fuel specifications. Gasoline and distillate margins serve as key profitability levers for integrated refiners.

Refinery utilization rates, particularly in the U.S. Gulf Coast and Northwest European hubs, directly influence product availability and pricing. Unplanned outages, scheduled turnarounds, and weather-related disruptions are recurring factors that tighten regional product supply.

What to Watch

Key metrics to watch include refinery utilization rates, weekly distillate inventory builds or draws, and crack spread movements, which serve as real-time indicators of refining profitability across major processing hubs.