Daily Market Report

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.

Crude oil and bitumen prices softened amid weak demand and rising stockpiles, especially in the U.S. Trade tensions and geopolitical uncertainties added further downward pressure. Bitumen prices in Europe dipped slightly, while Bahrain held steady. Markets remain volatile, with investor sentiment cautious ahead of further trade and policy developments.

India's oil market remains tight as refiners rush to replace Russian crude amid geopolitical tensions and Western scrutiny. Brent and WTI prices remain steady, but Indian bitumen prices vary across grades and locations. Urgent tenders and sourcing shifts point to rising procurement costs and heightened volatility in global energy markets.

Bitumen and base oil prices showed mixed regional trends, with sharp drops in VG40 and firm furnace oil rates. Crude oil markets strengthened on falling U.S. inventories and Russian export cuts. Despite temporary supply easing from Venezuela, global prices are expected to remain firm, supported by supply constraints and geopolitical developments.

Despite EU sanctions on Nayara Energy, India’s bitumen and base oil markets remain stable. Prices hold firm, driven by strong domestic demand and steady supply. While geopolitical risks may impact long-term trade dynamics, India’s neutral stance and Nayara’s independent operations help maintain short-term stability in oil product availability and pricing.

The EU plans to lower the Russian oil price cap from $60 to $45–50 per barrel, aiming to curb Moscow’s revenue. This could trigger crude price volatility and boost demand for discounted Russian oil from countries like India. Previously, Russia bypassed the cap’s impact by inflating freight and insurance costs, maintaining near-market earnings despite restrictions.

Base oil prices across Asia remained stable to firm in mid-July, supported by constrained supply and rising crude benchmarks. Group I and III grades saw the most pressure. Demand stayed weak due to monsoon impact and soft industrial activity, while refinery turnarounds kept supply tight. Outlook remains firm for key grades.

Brent crude has softened to $82.34/barrel on recession fears, but disciplined OPEC+ output keeps the downside in check. In India, bitumen prices continue to rise, especially at Kandla, amid tight import supply and strong restocking demand. Market sentiment remains bullish due to ongoing monsoon disruption and limited PSU allocations.