Asphalt: European market commentary

: Oil products
07/04/10

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Belgium
Bitumen prices for April increased by around 20/t ($27/t) from March levels. Delivered prices averaged €260-265/t ($348-354/t), which netted back to a price ex refinery of around €250/t ($334/t). Bitumen availability is tight in Belgium and the surrounding countries.

Total’s 308,000 b/d Antwerp refinery is undergoing maintenance and is not expected to be back on line until the end of this month. The refinery is reported to have sufficient bitumen stocks to cover most of its commitments until production restarts.

Bitumen demand in March was good but the market is not yet at full throttle. The Easter holiday from 6-9 April will mean that most road works will be suspended in the following week.

April this year is a relatively short working month of just 18 days. The May Day holiday falls on a Tuesday so it is likely that the 30 April will be a lost working day.

France
The 18-day strike at the Fos-Lavera port near Marseille on the French Mediterranean coast ended. The strike forced three of the four refineries in the port complex to reduce crude throughputs and had a moderate impact on bitumen supply, sources said. The fourth refinery – Shell’s Berre L’Etang refinery – entered a scheduled five-week full shutdown before the strike started.

Despite the end of the strike, the refineries are unlikely to return immediately to full operations as a backlog of tankers has meant the refineries have a limited availability of crude feedstock.

Crude for Shell’s Reichstett refinery near Strasbourg in northeast France is supplied from Fos via the South European Pipeline. The refinery has recently returned from maintenance and so has been largely unaffected by the strike. But the backlog of tankers awaiting discharge at Fos-Lavera could now impact on the refinery.

Bitumen availability from Shell’s Petit Couronne refinery near Rouen in northern France was reported to be limited. The refinery has recently returned from a 45-day full maintenance shutdown, which started at the end of January. Bitumen demand for March was described as good and above last year’s levels.

Prices were assessed higher at around €265-275/t ($354-368/t) delivered in the south, at €270-285/t ($361-381/t) delivered in the north and at €265-285/t ($354-381/t) delivered in the central region.

Germany
Bitumen prices have increased by €10-15/t ($13-20/t) this month to broadly €255-265/t ($316-336/t) ex refinery depending on the region.

Italy
Domestic bitumen prices increased by €25-30/t ($33-40/t) this month to €245-250/t ($328-334/t) ex refinery including the €31/t ($41/t) government tax or €215-220/t ($287-294/t) fob refinery excluding the tax.

But despite the hefty rise, Italian bitumen prices still remain relatively low compared with neighbouring countries, which have seen a rise of around €20/t this month.

Bitumen demand in March was lower than had been expected despite good weather conditions for road-paving. This was put down to the fact that both January and February were busier than usual and it was likely that work which would normally have been carried out in March was undertaken earlier in the year.

April marks the beginning of the main bitumen season. But this month’s activity will be dented by public holidays – on Monday 9 April and Italy’s National Day on 25 April – which leave just 19 working days in the month.

Netherlands
Bitumen prices in the Netherlands rose by around €15-20/t ($20-27/t) to around €255-260/t ($341-348/t) delivered, netting back to a price ex refinery of €245-250/t ($328-334/t).

Refinery maintenance in neighboring Belgium and France has tightened bitumen availability in the Netherlands.

Good bitumen demand was noted from within the Netherlands and for exports of Dutch bitumen. The cargo market into northwest Europe – and into Scandinavia, the UK and Ireland in particular – was picking up after the winter lull.

Spain
Spanish domestic bitumen prices increased by €24/t ($32/t) at the beginning of April to around €255-260/t ($341-348/t) ex refinery.

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25/12/22

German fuel demand rises before 2026 price increase

Hamburg, 22 December (Argus) — German consumers increased fuels orders in the last full working week of 2025 to fill their tanks ahead of a probable price increase at the start of the new year. Low prices also boosted heating oil demand. Fuel demand rose significantly in the week ending 21 December, after stockbuilding failed to materialise in the previous week. Diesel spot sales for truck loading submitted to Argus increased by almost 50pc on the week, and E5 gasoline sales by 35pc. Diesel sales on 17 December were the highest in four months, while gasoline sales were the highest since September 2023. Gasoline filling stations, freight forwarders and other large-scale consumers waited until the last minute to fill their tanks before higher costs from the CO2 tax and greenhouse gas (GHG) quota take effect in 2026. Sellers recently offered B7 diesel for loading in January with premiums of €10-13/100l, and gasoline prices rose by a similar amount. Gasoline filling stations built up stocks ahead of the holidays, because the few remaining working days until the end of the year restrict logistics. Low prices also drove heating oil demand, at least in the first half of the week. The national average heating oil price reached its lowest point for the year on 16 December. This motivated consumers to buy, although the premiums for the new year are much lower than for road fuels at around €3-4/100l because of the CO2 tax increase. But some can only be delivered in January because of logistical bottlenecks. Heating oil spot volumes in 2025 so far are around 10pc above the 2024 level, mainly because consumers stocked up when the front-month Ice gasoil futures contract reached its lowest level since the end of 2021 in early April. The heating oil price fell to its lowest level in more than three years. Prices were subdued by the prospect of a global economic slowdown as a result of the trade conflict between the US and China and the so-called reciprocal duties for some of the US' most important trading partners. Lower Ice gasoil futures also triggered additional purchases at the end of November. Diesel spot volumes in 2025 were around 5pc below the previous year, probably because of a weak manufacturing sector. The average production index in January-October was almost two percentage points below the same period in 2024 and about six points below 2023. The truck mileage index lagged behind previous years in most months, with a noticeable affect on industrial demand for diesel. By Gabriele Zindel and Johannes Guhlke Send comments and request more information at feedback@argusmedia.com Copyright © 2025. Argus Media group . All rights reserved.

Mexico central bank cuts target rate to 7pc

25/12/19

Mexico central bank cuts target rate to 7pc

Mexico City, 19 December (Argus) — Mexico's central bank cut its benchmark interest rate by 25 basis points to 7pc, its lowest level since June 2022, maintaining a slower pace in the easing cycle on inflation concerns. The decision marked the eighth rate cut this year and the fourth quarter-point reduction following four consecutive half-point cuts. This year's cuts follow five quarter-point cuts in 2024 from a cyclical peak of 11.25pc in March. The board approved the cut in a 4-1 vote, with deputy governor Jonathan Heath dissenting in favor of holding the rate at 7.25pc. Heath has been the lone dissenter in the past five decisions, consistently urging greater caution. The central bank said the decision reflected "the behavior of the exchange rate, the weakness of economic activity and the possible impact of changes in global trade policies," repeating language used in its last four statements. Gabriela Siller, chief economist at Banco Base, pointed to a "significant change" in the bank's forward guidance, noting a shift toward a less dovish tone. The board said it "will consider when to make further adjustments" to the policy rate, replacing the "will consider cutting" language used in November. Mexican bank Banorte also said the central bank struck a less dovish tone, pointing to a change in its forward guidance. Annual inflation rose to 3.8pc in November from 3.57pc in October, according to statistics agency Inegi. Core inflation, which excludes volatile food and energy prices, accelerated to 4.43pc from 4.28pc. The central bank now sees headline inflation ending 2025 at 3.7pc, up from 3.5pc in its November forecast, while core inflation is projected at 4.3pc, revised from 4.1pc. It also raised its headline and core forecasts for the first two quarters of 2026, while maintaining that both will converge to its 3pc target by the third quarter. The bank said the revisions mainly reflect a "more gradual-than-expected" easing in services inflation, along with a smaller contribution from accelerating consumer goods prices. The board also addressed recent tax reforms, which it expects will have a temporary and not necessarily proportional impact on prices, adding it will update its forecasts as it conducts a comprehensive assessment of the revised tax code's effects. By James Young Send comments and request more information at feedback@argusmedia.com Copyright © 2025. Argus Media group . All rights reserved.

Viewpoint: Bitumen markets eye pockets of demand

25/12/19

Viewpoint: Bitumen markets eye pockets of demand

London, 19 December (Argus) — Paving activity may strengthen in some European and north African markets in 2026, but several others are expected to see continued declines in bitumen demand. Germany could lead any recovery, market participants said, as a new government plans to expand and maintain the road network. The country — once Europe's bitumen powerhouse — had a weak 2025, but paving work is expected to lift consumption from mid-2026. German bitumen demand has fallen by more than 20pc since 2021, while France and the UK are down by over 25pc in the same period. Budget constraints and high inflation drove these declines. Sweden, Norway and Denmark — already demand drivers in 2025 — could strengthen further in 2026. Road budgets are set to rise as governments prioritise infrastructure and the value of well-maintained highways, possibly linked to higher defence spending as Nato strengthens in Europe. North Africa has also drawn European Mediterranean surplus cargoes , and market participants expect demand from the region to increase next year, led by Algeria, Morocco and some Libyan consumption. Elsewhere, there is little cause for optimism. In France, most participants expect 2026 demand to be weaker than in 2025. With the government beset by regular upheaval and parlous public finances, road spending seems an unlikely priority. Several other northwest and central European countries will also see steady to lower bitumen consumption in 2026. Meanwhile, prospects for a peace deal between Ukraine and Russia remain slim, so a large upswing in Ukrainian import demand looks unlikely next year. Export opportunities outside Europe also appear limited, as Asia-Pacific and the Middle East remain well supplied and demand there stays slow. South Africa, now reliant on imports, is more likely to source from the Mideast Gulf or Pakistan than from the Mediterranean. The prospects of shipping product to the US could improve in the coming months, with Mediterranean bitumen values currently firm relative to crude and fuel oil. But large volumes seem unlikely. Some Mediterranean cargoes moved to the US last year, but the trend was short-lived. In the bitumen freight market, several new larger tankers will enter service in 2026, increasing vessel availability in what will still be a weak market. This could weigh on freight rates but help offset higher costs from the EU ETS scheme, which comes fully into effect in 2026 after its 2024 implementation. Bitumen prices fell in 2025 and are expected to stay under pressure through winter, before seasonal gains from March 2026. Markets should see greater strength relative to fuel oil in summer as bitumen demand typically rebounds then. Demand for bitumen was generally weaker across most European countries in 2025 than in 2024, weighing on prices. Budgets came under pressure and political challenges contributed to a lack of focus on infrastructure and road maintenance spending. Bitumen prices hit historic lows in 2025, partly offsetting inflation-driven increases in building, equipment and material costs. By Jonathan Weston Send comments and request more information at feedback@argusmedia.com Copyright © 2025. Argus Media group . All rights reserved.

Korrektur: Diesel in 2026 teurer als erwartet

25/12/18

Korrektur: Diesel in 2026 teurer als erwartet

In der ursprünglichen Version wurde die CO2-Abgabe inkorrekt angegeben. Dies wurde sowohl in der Tabelle als auch in der Grafik korrigiert. Hamburg, 18 December (Argus) — Händler bieten B7-Diesel für Januar mit einem Aufpreis von 10 €/100l bis 17 €/100l an, teurer als von Argus berechnet. Das ist der bisher höchste Preisanstieg zum Jahreswechsel, der durch eine Erhöhung der CO2-Abgabe und THG-Quote verursacht wurde. Argus hat einen theoretischen Aufschlag von 8,50 €/100l für B7-Diesel berechnet (siehe Grafik). Ein möglicher Grund für den deutlich höher ausfallenden Aufpreis für B7 ist, dass Händler die THG-Kosten aufgrund anhaltender Unsicherheiten anders berechnen als Argus . Das Bundeskabinett hat am 10. Dezember über die Umsetzung der Erneuerbaren Energien-Direktive (RED III) der EU in deutsches Gesetz abgestimmt. Dadurch herrscht im Markt mehr Klarheit mit Blick auf die gesetzlichen Rahmenbedingungen in 2026. Zuvor dürften die Preisen für das kommende Jahr vor allem durch die Unsicherheit bezüglich der genauen Umsetzung von RED III getrieben worden sein. Die THG-Quote wird 2026 von aktuell 10,6 % auf 12 % steigen, weshalb für das Inverkehrbringen fossiler Kraftstoffe mehr THG-Zertifikate vorgewiesen werden müssen. Bis zur Abstimmung am 10. Dezember gingen Marktteilnehmer davon aus, dass fortschrittliche Kraftstoffe künftig nicht mehr doppelt auf die Erfüllung der THG-Quote angerechnet werden dürfen. Dies hat sich nun bestätigt. Der künftige Wegfall der Doppelanrechnung könnte das Beimischen von Biokraftstoffen attraktiver machen und Preise für sowohl Biokraftstoffe und die Übertragung von THG-Zertifikaten erhöhen. Marktteilnehmer rechnen außerdem mit einem Rückgang der Biokraftstoff-Importe aus Asien, wodurch die Quotenerfüllung und somit auch fossile Kraftstoffe in Deutschland teurer werden könnten. Grund hierfür ist zum einen die geplante Abschaffung der Vertrauensschutzregelung , die Käufer unrechtmäßiger THG-Zertifikate vor Aberkennung schützt. Auch herrschte noch Unsicherheit darüber, wie genau die Unterquote für erneuerbare Kraftstoffe nicht-biogenen Urpsrungs (RFNBOs) — wie etwa e-Fuels und grüner Wasserstoff — gestaltet wird. Ein Entwurf vom November beinhaltete bei Nichterfüllung der RFNBO-Unterquote eine Pönale von etwa 120 €/GJ, statt der zuvor vorgeschlagenen 70 €/GJ. Dies wurde mit der Kabinettssitzung am 10. Dezember ebenfalls bestätigt. Auch bei der Einpreisung der CO2-Abgabe für das nächste Jahr sehen sich Händler weiterhin mit Unklarheiten konfrontiert. Einige Händler verwenden für Kalkulationen aktuell einen CO2-Preis von 68 €/t CO2e. Darüber hinaus wird auch die Unsicherheit bezüglich des Auktionsverfahrens eingepreist, da die Auktionen erst im Sommer beginnen und die konkreten CO2-Kosten bis dahin nicht eindeutig sind. Manche Händler planen daher zusätzliche Rücklagen, um etwaige Nachzahlungen decken zu können. Die CO2-Abgabe wird im kommenden Jahr von einem Festpreismodell bei aktuell 55 €/t CO2e in ein Auktionsverfahren übergeleitet, bei dem der Preis einer Emissionsberechtigung zwischen 55 € und 65 € schwanken kann. Eine Emissionsberechtigung entspricht dabei einer Tonne CO2-Äquivalent. Unternehmen, die bei Auktionen leer ausgehen, können nachträglich Emissionsberechtigungen zum Festpreis von 68 € nachkaufen. Außerdem könnte im Sekundärmarkt für Unternehmen, die nicht an Auktionen teilnehmen, der Preis noch höher liegen. Einige Inverkehrbringer halten sich aufgrund dieser regulatorischen Unklarheiten weiterhin mit der Bekanntgabe von Januarpreisen zurück, was die Unsicherheit im Markt zusätzlich verstärkt. Mit dem Kabinettsbeschluss vom 10. Dezember könnten Händler ihre Preisgestaltung für Januar konkretisieren. Für Heizöl liegen die gemeldeten Aufschläge etwa zwischen 2,50 €/100l bis 4,50 €/100l und stimmen somit ungefähr mit den Berechnungen von Argus überein. Von Marcel Pott CO2-Abgabe je 100l € Kosten pro t CO2 B0/HE B7 E5 E10 45 € 12.04 11.22 10.26 9.73 55 € 14.72 13.72 12.54 11.90 65 € 17.40 16.21 14.82 14.06 68 € 18.20 16.96 15.50 14.71 *B7 mit 6,8 l FAME; E5 mit 4,8 l Ethanol und E10 mit 9,66l Ethanol THG- Erfüllungskosten je 100l € B0 B7 E5 E10 2025 9,13 9,70 6,83 6,74 2026 16,33 14,99 11,68 10,72 *Erfüllung der THG-Quote durch Blending und Zukauf von Zertifikaten, Erfüllung des RFNBO-Mandats durch Pönale Kumulierte Kosten THG-Quote und CO2 Abgabe Senden Sie Kommentare und fordern Sie weitere Informationen an feedback@argusmedia.com Copyright © 2025. Argus Media group . Alle Rechte vorbehalten.

Viewpoint: Japan's hybrid EV use keeps gasoline in mix

25/12/18

Viewpoint: Japan's hybrid EV use keeps gasoline in mix

Tokyo, 18 December (Argus) — Japan's gasoline consumption will continue falling because of its decarbonisation drive, but the country's gasoline consumption is unlikely to reach zero as gasoline-powered cars and hybrid gasoline-electric vehicles (HEVs) account for a vast majority of newly registered passenger cars. Japan's gasoline sales declined at least over 2016-24, with the exception of a slight year-on-year increase of 0.03pc in 2022, data from the Petroleum Association of Japan (PAJ) show. The country's gasoline sales totalled 330mn bl (904,100 b/d) in 2016, falling to below 280mn bl (767,100 b/d) in 2024. The country's transport sector accounted for 19.2pc of total CO2 emissions in the April 2023-March 2024 fiscal year, according to Japan's environment ministry. Half of the transport sector's CO2 emissions came from gasoline in the 2023-24 fiscal year. Tokyo renewed its global warming countermeasures plan in February 2025, which reiterated its target of having all new car sales be "electrified vehicles" by 2035 and to achieve net-zero CO2 emissions through the vehicle lifecycle by 2050, in efforts to abate emissions. But these "electrified vehicles" do not only refer to fully electric-powered EVs nor fuel cell vehicles (FCVs) but also include gasoline-consuming HEVs and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). This means that Japanese passenger car owners will likely remain dependent on gasoline, even as gasoline consumption declines, given that Japan's preference for hybrids is likely to sustain its momentum for the foreseeable future. The country's gasoline requirement will fall by 2.4pc to 260mn bl (712,300 b/d) in the April 2026-March 2027 fiscal year, compared with the 2025-26 level, based on Japan's trade and industry ministry Meti's outlook. This downtrend is expected to continue by declines of 2.1-2.5 pc/yr at least until 2029-30, largely because of higher fuel efficiency and wider use of HEVs, Meti said. The number of newly registered passenger cars, including imported cars, totalled slightly below 2.4mn units over January-November 2025, data from the Japan Automobile Dealers Association (JADA) show. Out of this total, gasoline-consuming HEVs accounted for 60pc, and gasoline cars hold a 32pc share. Gasoline-powered cars and HEVs have jointly accounted for around 90pc at least since 2020. The share of HEVs in newly registered cars has also grown consistently every year, from 37.1pc in 2020 to 61.1pc in 2024, mostly replacing the share of gasoline cars, while the share of EVs has stalled at 0.6-1.7pc of the total of registered units every year over the same period, data from the JADA show. "The hybrid trend is likely to remain strong going forward. Compared with the time when it seemed the global shift to EVs would happen decisively and rapidly, the momentum now appears to have slowed somewhat," Japan's trade and industry minister Ryosei Akazawa said at an interview with reporters, including Argus , in October. The shift towards EVs has not been as strong as expected, which could have benefited gasoline car makers. But US tariffs on Japanese automobiles likely eroded the profitability of Japanese automakers, with 15pc of their domestic car output exported to the US in 2024, according to Meti. The US tariff rate was lowered to 15pc from 27.5pc in September, but is still far higher than 2.5pc, the rate before US president Donald Trump's additional 25pc automobile tariff took effect in April. To support Japanese automakers given the challenging tariff environment, Tokyo could freeze its environmental performance tax — a levy of 0-3pc — imposed on car owners at the point of acquisition depending on automobile features, such as fuel efficiency. This move could pave the way for gasoline-powered vehicles to regain momentum or pose obstacles to the expansion of EV cars' market share in the coming years. By Kohei Yamamoto Send comments and request more information at feedback@argusmedia.com Copyright © 2025. Argus Media group . All rights reserved.

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