During 2–6 June 2025, the Brent crude price ranged from $64.67 to $66.25/bl, up by an average of $1.21/bl.
Global bitumen prices experienced mixed trends across key regions. Singapore maintained steady export prices, while Middle Eastern exports to East Africa saw declining prices.
In Asia, Singapore’s export bitumen price remained steady at $390-400/t FOB due to a balanced supply and demand. In the Asian market, Vietnam showed inquiries for June-loading cargoes, while Malaysia and Indonesia experienced weak consumption due to holidays and rainy weather.
China’s domestic prices rose slightly with crude oil prices, but demand weakened from rainfall and the Dragon Boat Festival holiday. Meanwhile, supply was constrained as some refiners switched to fuel oil production.
India saw low consumption due to rainy weather disrupting road construction projects. High inventory levels and high prices of imported cargo led to a decrease in imports in India. Importers lowered bids to $320-325/t FOB Middle East.
In the Middle East, markets were mixed, and trading was thin due to the Eid Al-Adha holidays. Vacuum bottom (VB) prices rose due to strong demand from bitumen producers. In contrast, the Middle East’s bitumen export prices dropped due to lower demand from markets like India and Afghanistan.
Bahrain’s bitumen prices rose to $400/t FOB Sitra despite limited supplies from refinery turnarounds. In Iraq, trading was thin as suppliers focused on clearing delivery backlogs caused by the explosion in B.N.D and drivers’ strikes.
In Africa, bitumen markets showed mixed trends. West African cargo prices remained steady, with strong construction activity during the dry season. East African markets saw rising demand in Kenya, though markets like Uganda remained slow. Import bitumen prices from the Middle East decreased, with bulk cargoes down $6.20/t and drummed exports down $4/t FOB Middle East. In South Africa, domestic prices rose due to increased demand and reduced imports.
