Bitumen / Asphalt
The leading source for global spot prices and market analysis for bitumen and asphalt
Overview
Asphalt and bitumen prices are shaped by more than just local supply and demand. Movements in wider market fundamentals all play a role. To interpret these drivers and anticipate developments, you need comprehensive context.
With global spot prices assessed by local teams worldwide, differentials to crude and HSFO, freight rates, market commentary, news and analysis, Argus is the only source to give you the full picture.
Latest bitumen / asphalt news
Browse the latest market moving news on the global bitumen and asphalt industry.
Benelux bitumen buyers widen search as shortages bite
Benelux bitumen buyers widen search as shortages bite
London, 9 July (Argus) — Operational issues affecting bitumen cargo deliveries into Antwerp have added to northwest European supply tightness caused by refinery shutdowns and problems, forcing some Benelux buyers to seek alternative supply sources. Market participants pointed to long waiting times at the 60,000t capacity ATPC terminal at Antwerp, currently run by Rubis. One market participant said a recent strike at Antwerp port by the vessel pilots association caused delays in transferring incoming cargo volumes into the terminal, adding that related logistical issues had led to difficulties and delays in completing ship-to-ship (STS) transfers from large to smaller vessels. An official familiar with Rubis' Antwerp operations said the 36,819dwt Palanca River , which arrived in the port area with a large cargo loaded at Agioi Theodoroi, Greece, was having to wait for a berth at Antwerp. He said the vessel had transferred some of its cargo into the 8,500dwt Windpower at a lay berth, with the latter ship then delivering a part-cargo into ATPC, an STS operation that is set to be repeated in the coming days. The Antwerp issues have added to northwest European supply tightness caused by refinery turnarounds and problems, especially in France, and reduced bitumen production across the region because of restricted supply of Mideast Gulf bitumen-yielding crudes. The combination of factors has forced some Benelux buyers to seek alternative bitumen truck flows from Germany and from as far as northern Italy. French buyers are still struggling to access truck volumes from North Atlantic's Port Jerome refinery in northern France, although cargo loadings appear to be proceeding normally. TotalEnergies' Donges refinery on the French Atlantic coast is still absent from the bitumen market after a planned maintenance shutdown that was due to have ended in late June, while the firm's Gonfreville refinery in northern France has faced persistent production issues, factors that have drastically hit French bitumen availability during the peak demand season. In a wider region where spot availability is limited, market participants point to some supplies from Shell's 187,000 b/d Godorf refinery in western Germany. But another participant said waiting times had increased to more than 20 hours, creating a backlog of trucks waiting to load. German supply has tightened significantly because of a shortage of heavy sour crudes. Most German refineries are now reliant on sweeter grades, which typically yield less bitumen. Some Belgian buyers have been forced to increase imports from northern Italy to alleviate the supply tightness. Output at Eni's Sannazzaro and Iplom's Busalla refineries remained high throughout May and June. Some ex-Busalla truck export prices, which do not attract Italy's €31/t duty on domestic bitumen sales, were indicated by traders this week at €460-470/t ex-works, lower than the domestic Argus Italy truck price assessment of €520-540/t ex-works, which includes the tax. An anticipated slowdown in European construction work and bitumen demand from mid-July to late August due to the summer holiday period will probably reduce supply pressures, while allowing suppliers and end-users to build up stocks before seasonal activity ramps up again from September. By Navneet Vyasan Send comments and request more information at feedback@argusmedia.com Copyright © 2026. Argus Media group . All rights reserved.
US asphalt demand rises with war
US asphalt demand rises with war
Houston, 8 July (Argus) — US asphalt demand continued to rise in April even as prices climbed, spurred by the war in the Middle East. Product supplied — a proxy for demand — rose by 16pc from March to April after a previous 25pc rise from February to March, according to the latest US Energy Information Administration (EIA) data. Product supplied reached 10.61mn bl in April, the highest level since October 2025 and the highest April level since 2008, extending the demand strength seen in March . US imports of asphalt also rose to 2.1mn bls in April, up by 97pc from a year earlier and the highest level since July 2024. The US east coast led the increase in imports with a 17pc climb from March and a 96pc increase from last April to roughly 1.3mn bls. Imports along the coast primarily came from Canada, Venezuela and Turkey, according to Kpler data. Demand for asphalt remained strong throughout April as market participants rushed to secure supply over concerns the war in Iran would continue to push asphalt values higher. Despite sharp price increases throughout the month, buyers continued to request as much volume as possible, sellers said. Several waterborne asphalt assessments reached their peak for the month in the week ended on 10 April. Gulf coast barge prices rose to $540/st that week; the cif New York assessment rose to $535/st, and the Midwestern barge assessment rose to $450/st. Meanwhile, light-sweet benchmark crude prices reached their highest level since June 2022 in April. WTI jumped to $112.95/bl on 7 April, and Brent crude rose to $118.03/bl on 29 April. Despite the sharp rise in both crude and asphalt prices, both Gulf and Atlantic coast waterborne values were at 70pc of Brent crude prices over the month of April. By Angelina Contreras Send comments and request more information at feedback@argusmedia.com Copyright © 2026. Argus Media group . All rights reserved.
Mediterranean bitumen trade opens to Asia-Pacific
Mediterranean bitumen trade opens to Asia-Pacific
Singapore, 8 July (Argus) — A large bitumen cargo is heading from the Mediterranean to Asia-Pacific with economics for the trade now viable, and regional traders say more could follow. The 30,100 dwt Blacksmith , operated by trading firm Trafigura, loaded a 28,600t cargo from Aliaga (Izmir), Turkey on 17 June and is scheduled to arrive at Tanjung Langsat, Malaysia, around 10 July, according to vessel tracking data. Trafigura has storage at Tanjung Langsat, near Singapore. Importers in Asia-Pacific said the Europe-Asia arbitrage is only feasible for the largest tankers and cargo sizes. Recent oil price volatility could make the trade risky, according to traders, but there is no sign yet of the price spread between Singapore and the Mediterranean closing. Some traders expect further cargoes to make the route. Singapore prices were $184/t above those of the Argus Mediterranean bitumen index on a fob basis on 3 July. The spread was around $10/t in favour of Singapore at the start of June. Singapore prices continued to rise slightly this week, supported by higher bids and buying indications along with continued tight supply. The daily fob Singapore ABX 1 assessment hit $610/t on 8 July. Trafigura bid for a 4,000t cargo loading 23-27 July at $615/t fob Singapore on 8 July, including demurrage, on the Argus Open Markets (AOM) platform, but attracted no selling interest. The bid stipulated SRC and ExxonMobil supply only, and is understood to be part of a requirement to meet supply to Australia. Longer lead times for shipping cargoes from Europe to Asia-Pacific have kept traders concerned that Asian prices could fall by the time the cargo arrives at its destination. But Singapore supply is tight, which has supported export prices. July-loading supply is no longer widely available, and August-loading supply remains tight. At least one refiner has reported bitumen output disruptions because of feedstock issues. Crude slates suitable for bitumen production may take longer to reach Singapore, keeping supplies limited for now, market participants said. Most have refrained from fresh offers. Mediterranean bitumen supply has also been tight in recent weeks, particularly from Greece, as refiners grapple with the continued loss of much Mideast Gulf crude supply that is good for bitumen production. Greek refiner Motor Oil Hellas (MOH) has switched to lighter crudes and produced more jet fuel and diesel and less heavy products like bitumen. Mediterranean bitumen prices have been pulled lower by a fall in high-sulphur fuel oil (HSFO) values since early June, even with some firming of the differentials to HSFO at which bitumen cargoes trade. Singapore cargoes trade at outright values and historically have been more disconnected from HSFO moves. By Chloe Choo and Jonathan Weston Mediterranean v Singapore bitumen $/t Send comments and request more information at feedback@argusmedia.com Copyright © 2026. Argus Media group . All rights reserved.
Trafigura, Overseas win Helleniq July bitumen cargoes
Trafigura, Overseas win Helleniq July bitumen cargoes
London, 24 June (Argus) — Overseas Petroltrade, a London-based oil products trading firm, and Trafigura have won volumes in Helleniq Energy's tender for up to seven 4,000–5,000t bitumen cargoes loading from the 140,000 b/d Aspropyrgos refinery in Greece, market participants said. Overseas secured two cargoes, while Trafigura won between two and four, according to sources with knowledge of the tender process. Awards were at around or slightly above $20/t fob premiums to Mediterranean high-sulphur fuel oil (HSFO), basis Aspropyrgos. A bid at a $15/t fob premium was indicated as unsuccessful as early as 19 June, the day after the tender closed. No other winners have been indicated, but limited Mediterranean spot availability for the rest of June and July may have supported demand for the tender. Overseas Petroltrade is a leading supplier into Romania, regularly delivering cargoes to Bitholder-operated import terminals at Mangalia and Constanta. The July premiums are higher than Helleniq's June awards , when two cargoes were sold to Asphaltos at +$12/t and one to Trafigura at +$18.5/t. By Keyvan Hedvat Send comments and request more information at feedback@argusmedia.com Copyright © 2026. Argus Media group . All rights reserved.
Spotlight content
Browse the latest thought leadership produced by our global team of experts.
Asia’s Bitumen Shift: Trade Flows, Freight, and Future Demand
Experts unpack how shifting trade flows, freight challenges and evolving supply are reshaping Asia’s bitumen market and influencing regional demand in 2026.
Americas Asphalt: Spotlight on Brazil
What next for the US, Venezuela and Americas asphalt market?
Explore our bitumen / asphalt products
Key price assessments
Argus prices are recognised by the market as trusted and reliable indicators of the real market value. Explore some of our most widely used and relevant price assessments.
