A rise in demand for distillates has been forecast as a result of new shipping fuel rules , but the trend is unlikely to last . International Maritime Organization rules will cut the amount of sulphur ships can burn from 2020 , with demand for alternative gasoil expected to rise dramatically . LONDON, March 5 (Reuters) - But the International Energy Agency ( IEA ) says demand will settle back to its current levels when shipping companies adopt recently developed alternative fuels . The change could cause problems for refiners of high - sulphur fuel oil who do not upgrade , but power plants in Brazil , Russia and the Middle East could absorb the excess .
A rise in demand for distillates has been forecast as a result of new shipping fuel rules , but the trend is unlikely to last . International Maritime Organization rules will cut the amount of sulphur ships can burn from 2020 , with demand for alternative gasoil expected to rise dramatically . But the International Energy Agency ( IEA ) says demand will settle back to its current levels when shipping companies adopt recently developed alternative fuels . The change could cause problems for refiners of high - sulphur fuel oil who do not upgrade , but power plants in Brazil , Russia and the Middle East could absorb the excess .