More diesel fuel sold

In the first six months of 2008, the volume of diesel fuel consumed by road traffic vehicles increased by 3.5 percent relative to the same period in 2007. Petrol consumption dropped marginally by 0.5 percent over the same period. Altogether, motor fuel consumption (petrol, diesel and LPG) increased by 1.7 percent relative to one year previously.

Petrol and diesel consumption in the first six months

More lorries

The growing amount of lorries is one of the reasons for the increase in diesel fuel consumption. International lorry traffic continues to grow, but the amount of privately-owned cars running on diesel fuel also increased. Last year, 30 percent of new cars were diesel-powered. It looks like Dutch car buyers opt for cheaper diesel fuel. With 17 percent, the proportion of diesel-powered private cars in the Netherlands remains far below the European average of nearly 50 percent. 

Cars by type of fuel

LPG regains popularity

The volume of LP gas consumed in the first half of 2008 rose by 1.5 percent. This is the first time LPG consumption is rising after years of decline. The amount of new LPG-powered cars sold last year has also grown after years of declining sales. Many petrol-powered cars are equipped with LPG units. LP gas is cheaper than petrol and diesel fuel.

LPG consumption over the first six months

Sander Brummelkamp and Ram Sardjoepersad