Energy & Petroleum

The global bitumen market showed mixed trends this week due to oversupply, weak demand in India and East Asia, and geopolitical uncertainties like Middle East tensions, Iran sanctions, and the U.S. government shutdown. While overall prices remained under pressure, regional fluctuations in Europe and China indicate localized dynamics influencing short-term movements. Future market direction will depend on crude oil trends, post-monsoon demand recovery in South Asia, and ongoing geopolitical developments.

Bitumen markets remain subdued across Asia and India, with prices stagnant amid weak demand and monsoon disruptions. East Asia and China face further pressure from weather and sluggish consumption, while Europe stabilizes. Iran stays fragile under sanctions and currency depreciation. Demand recovery in India is unlikely before post-monsoon construction activity.

Asian and Middle Eastern bitumen prices remain soft as oversupply and monsoon-driven demand weakness weigh on the market. Limited tenders from Indonesia and selective Indian buying offer brief support, but high inventories and wet weather across key regions keep prices rangebound despite upcoming refinery maintenance and modest post-monsoon project expectations.

Domestic oil products traded mixed, with FO at ₹47,540–48,607/MT and LDO at ₹58,300–60,890/KL. Demand is recovering post-monsoon, while Chennai Petroleum’s maintenance may tighten supply. Internationally, Brent rose to $68.47/bbl on supply concerns. Expanding global base oil output and new imports into India could restrain future price gains.

Crude oil prices remained stable at $66–68/bbl, supported by geopolitical supply risks. Bitumen prices stayed mostly steady across key regions, with India seeing only a marginal rise. Demand in India, China, and Europe stayed muted due to monsoon, rainfall, and holidays, though recovery is expected post-September as activity resumes.

The base oils market stayed mostly steady to soft, with Group I pressured by excess Iranian and Chinese supply. Group II remained capped by weak crude and feedstock values, while Group III stayed broadly stable, though 4 cSt and 8 cSt showed localized weakness. Buyers continued cautious, need-based procurement.

Bitumen prices remain steady in India with VG40 bulk at ₹36,300/MT (Karwar) and VG30 drums at ₹37,800/MT (Mundra). Internationally, Singapore-origin cargoes ($430.50/t FOB) are gaining traction as Middle East supplies tighten. South Africa faces rising import dependence with Natref’s production halt, prompting a shift toward Asia-Pacific sourcing despite higher costs.

Bitumen prices in India remain steady, supported by a stable rupee and softer crude benchmarks. Seasonal monsoon conditions continue to depress demand, though supply from Iraq and Iran remains consistent. With crude softening and INR stable, parity costs are under mild downward pressure. A demand rebound is expected post-monsoon.

Russian Urals crude maintains a strong pricing edge over Saudi grades, reshaping Asian trade flows. China and India increase reliance on discounted Russian barrels, while U.S. tariffs on Indian imports raise geopolitical tension. Saudi Aramco adjusts supplies to defend market share. Competitive pricing and politics drive short-term crude market trends.