Bitumen Prices Hold Firm Amid Weak Demand and Heavy Supply Overhang
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Bitumen prices in India remain stable despite sluggish construction activity and abundant supply. Extended monsoon delays and elevated port inventories have created a buyer-friendly market. New capacity additions and improved logistics are enhancing availability, especially in the South and East. Prices are expected to remain rangebound unless unexpected refinery disruptions emerge.
Key Highlights
- Indian bitumen holds steady at ₹40,500/ton amid slow project execution.
- High domestic and port inventories continue to pressure prices lower.
- IOC–Total’s Chennai facility and first rail movement improve regional availability.
- Near-term outlook remains soft; buyers can negotiate better spreads and terms.
Market Price: Bitumen Prices Steady Amid Weak Demand and Global Softnes
- Bitumen 60/70 grade in India holds steady around ₹40,500/ton (~$456) despite slow construction activity.
- Chinese prices remain softer at CNY 2,950–3,620/ton, while Middle East FOB levels hover around $370–375/ton.
- Premium grades, including PMB and specialty materials, continue to trade higher at $420–500/ton, reflecting refinery cost structures.
Demand & Supply: Muted Demand and High Inventories Create Buyer Advantage
- Demand remains muted due to extended monsoon conditions and delayed project execution, particularly in highway and municipal segments.
- Supply, however, remains ample — high port inventories and strong domestic availability are creating a buyer-friendly environment.
- Contractors and processors are hesitating bulk orders until site conditions improve, keeping stock accumulation elevated across the chain.
Market News: New Capacity and Rail Logistics Boost Regional Availability
- IOC–Total’s new Chennai facility has boosted availability of PMB, CRMB, and emulsions, reducing dependence on imports in South India.
- The first-ever rail movement of bitumen (Gandhidham → Silchar) marks a logistics milestone, likely improving freight economics and supply reliability in eastern corridors.
- High inventories at ports continue to discourage new import inflows.
Market Expectation: Rangebound to Soft Outlook with Limited Upside Risk Ahead
- The market is expected to stay rangebound to slightly soft heading into early Q1 2026.
Unless refinery outages disrupt supply, pricing upside looks limited. - Buyers — particularly contractors and traders — can negotiate tighter spreads and better payment terms in the short term, while monitoring weather normalization to time procurement decisions.
Bitumen
Bitumen Emulsion
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