The mobility sector emitted over 10 per cent less greenhouse gas year on year in Q2 2026, with diesel consumption lower in particular. Its share of total emissions fell to 21 per cent from 23.5 per cent in Q2 2025, while further growth in electric vehicle use in the Netherlands also contributed to the decline.
Statistics Netherlands (CBS) and the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM)/Emissions Register reported the figures. They said the lower diesel consumption was linked to a fuel tax discount in Germany intended to offset rising diesel prices, which made it more cost-effective for international freight transporters to refuel across the border. Under IPCC guidelines, the resulting emissions are attributed to Germany.
Netherlands GHG emissions rose 0.6 per cent year on year in Q2 2026, as power-sector increases outweighed mobility cuts.
Electricity emissions climbed nearly 22 per cent on higher coal and gas use, while manufacturing emissions slipped 1 per cent.
Freight, manufacturing and sourcing teams face shifting emissions exposure across transport, power and industrial activity.
The electricity sector emitted nearly 22 per cent more greenhouse gases than in Q2 2025. Higher electricity production required coal consumption to rise by 87 per cent and natural gas consumption by 15 per cent. More electricity was exported, particularly to Belgium, and domestic consumption was also higher. The sector’s share of total emissions rose to 17.5 per cent from 14.5 per cent a year earlier.
Manufacturing emissions were slightly lower than a year earlier, down 1 per cent. Emissions from the petroleum industry increased, but the chemical industry emitted less, partly because of maintenance at several energy-intensive companies. Manufacturing accounted for the largest share of total emissions in Q2 2026, at 34 per cent.
CBS also calculates carbon dioxide emissions from all domestic economic activities using national accounts methods. Unlike emissions calculated under IPCC definitions, this method includes carbon dioxide emissions from international air and sea transport and from biomass combustion.
On the national accounts basis, the Dutch economy emitted 2.5 per cent more carbon dioxide in Q2 2026 than in Q2 2025, while gross domestic product (GDP) rose by 1.3 per cent over the same period. The second quarter of 2026 was colder overall than the corresponding quarter of 2025; after adjustment for weather conditions, carbon dioxide emissions rose by 1.4 per cent.
Increased use of coal and biomass by power stations was a major contributor to the rise in emissions. Energy and water companies, and waste management, emitted nearly 19 per cent more carbon dioxide, while the sector’s value added remained virtually unchanged. In mining, manufacturing and construction, both carbon dioxide emissions and value-added were 1 per cent lower.
The transport sector, comprising aviation, maritime shipping, inland shipping and commercial road transport, emitted just over 1 per cent less carbon dioxide despite higher aviation emissions, while its value added grew by more than 3 per cent. Households and the services sector also emitted less carbon dioxide, mainly because of lower petrol and diesel consumption, although value added in services increased.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (CG)
