In the first half of 2025, 98 percent of the liquefied gas sold at German LNG filling stations came from renewable sources. According to the association Die Gas- und Wasserstoffwirtschaft, this involves liquefied biogas, known as Bio-LNG. As a result, the climate-friendly fuel has almost completely displaced fossil LNG in heavy-duty transport.
Stagnant Sales Despite Infrastructure Expansion
Between January and June 2025, 85,917 tons of LNG were sold. This figure is nearly at the previous year's level, when around 90,000 tons were sold in the same period. Bio-LNG is now available at more than 190 stations nationwide. According to the association, the use of the fuel saved over 230,000 tons of CO₂ equivalents compared
to diesel in the first six months of the current year.
"The freight forwarding industry is ready to invest in sustainable drives - but it needs planning security and finally equal treatment with other climate-neutral drives," explains Dr. Timm Kehler, CEO of the association Die Gas- und Wasserstoffwirtschaft. "Politics must no longer stand idly by while functioning, climate-friendly solutions with local value creation are held back."
Criticism of Political Framework Conditions
Despite this development, the association sees insufficient political support for Bio-LNG. CEO Dr. Timm Kehler stated that the industry is ready to invest in sustainable drives, but requires planning security and equal treatment with other climate-neutral technologies. The association is particularly critical of
the current toll regulation, under which Bio-LNG trucks pay the same fee as diesel vehicles.
Demands for Better Competitive Conditions
The association cites targeted toll reductions or exemptions for low-emission drives as effective measures, as well as tax relief similar to that received by battery-electric vehicles. At the European level, the organization criticizes that Bio-LNG is not adequately considered in CO₂ fleet limits. An open-technology regulation is required to reflect the actual CO₂ footprint in vehicle assessment.
Perspectives for Market Ramp-up
Furthermore, the association calls for the ambitious further development of the greenhouse gas reduction quota and the creation of a long-term funding perspective for biofuels beyond 2030. Bio-LNG is produced almost exclusively by
German producers in rural areas, thus contributing to regional value creation and energy independence. According to Kehler, a clear political setting is necessary to fully exploit the potential of this drive form in heavy-duty transport.
"Anyone who ignores Bio-LNG is simply leaving a functioning climate protection solution for the transport sector on the sidelines. Additionally: Bio-LNG is produced almost exclusively by German producers in rural areas - given the ambitious climate goals and the clear desire for more energy independence, we should not ignore this solution for heavy-duty transport," warns Kehler. "The industry has delivered - but politics remains too passive. Those who are serious about climate goals and resilience in heavy-duty transport must
