During 22–28 September 2025, Brent crude oil prices moved within a range of $66.51–70.67/bl, which rose by $1.04/bl compared to the previous week.
Despite higher crude prices, bitumen prices in key export markets such as Singapore and the Middle East fell due to supply-demand imbalances.
In Asia, freight rates remained under pressure as cargo availability remained high, but demand was limited. Heavy rainfall and typhoons also disrupted construction activity and the bitumen market in countries such as China and Thailand.
Singapore bitumen export prices fell by $5/t to $403–411/t due to weak demand and ample supply. South Korean export prices declined by $2.50/t to $390–397/t.
In China, typhoon Ragasa severely disrupted bitumen. Most regions experienced continued rainy weather. Domestic bitumen prices fell in Shandong to Yn3,450–3,720/t and in South China to Yn3,230–3,300/t, while East China held steady at Yn3,300–3,470/t. The typhoon disruptions and upcoming National Day holidays also muted import interest.
In India, the monsoon season weakened the demand. Import interest remained low as domestic bitumen prices stayed cheaper than imported cargoes.
In the Middle East, bulk export prices decreased by $5.3/t to $268–276/t on weak demand and lower production costs, while drummed prices fell by $1/t to $375–395/t.
Bahrain maintained its focus on domestic supply and tank truck exports, with seaborne prices remaining unchanged at $400/t. In Iraq, most Kurdish producers kept prices stable at $340–345/t for non-embossed drums, although one producer reduced prices to $315–325/t to attract Indian buyers.
In Africa, West African import prices rose (+$19/t) due to higher Mediterranean HSFO and crude prices. East African bitumen import prices declined significantly due to lower export prices and freight rates from Jebel Ali.
South African domestic bitumen prices increased by R50/t due to stronger seasonal demand and tighter supply resulting from import delays and limited production at the Natref refinery.
