Argus bitumen price
Argus bitumen price 2017
Pockets of bitumen demand emerged, including from north Africa, but most markets were slow with summer holidays and falling crude and fuel oil prices hitting buying activity.
Domestic requirements in Mediterranean exporting coun- tries like Italy, Spain and Greece remained at seasonally low levels, before an expected rise from September onwards.
But export activity was boosted by a surge in Moroccan import demand. That was thanks to the continued shutdown of the Samir refinery in Mohammedia, with no prospect for a restart before October at the earliest, amid deep financial
problems affecting the company.
In Europe cargo export reported by Argus bitumen price levels relative to fob Rotterdam high-sulphur fuel oil quotes were assessed $15-20/t
stronger in the -$5/t to +$10/t range, reflecting full utilisation of regional bitumen tanker fleets, shipments into the
new Dagenham terminal in southeast England and arbitragenean market.
Bahrain prices dropped to nearly a seven-year low at $325/t fob. Singapore prices also saw a fall, trading at
around $340/t. The gap between high-sulphur fuel oil 180cst Singapore and bitumen widened to nearly $100/t impacting
Argus bitumen price analysis 2017
Bitumen prices are also expected to see a downward pricerevision next week, with traders expecting to see a minimum of $15/t downward revision to vacuum bottom feed-stock prices.
Argus Bitumen Price Analysis 2023
In 2023, the bitumen market experienced notable fluctuations in pricing, driven by a combination of geopolitical factors, supply chain challenges, and evolving demand patterns. To provide a clearer picture, Argus, a leading provider of market intelligence, offers comprehensive insights into these dynamics, enabling stakeholders to navigate the complexities of the bitumen landscape effectively.
Initial Pricing Trends
At the beginning of 2023, bitumen prices stood at relatively high levels. This initial price stability reflected the ongoing recovery from the economic disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, governments worldwide initiated infrastructure projects to stimulate economic growth, which consequently increased demand for bitumen.
Influencing Factors
Several critical factors significantly influenced bitumen prices throughout the year:
1. Geopolitical Tensions: Throughout the year, ongoing geopolitical events, particularly in oil-producing regions, created uncertainties that affected supply chains. As tensions escalated, markets reacted, leading to price fluctuations. Thus, stakeholders needed to monitor these developments closely to assess potential impacts on supply and pricing.
2. Crude Oil Price Volatility: Moreover, as crude oil remains a primary raw material for bitumen production, fluctuations in oil prices directly influenced bitumen costs. In 2023, rising crude oil prices due to supply constraints exerted upward pressure on bitumen prices. Consequently, market participants had to adjust their pricing strategies to account for these changes.
3. Increased Demand for Infrastructure Development: In addition, countries, especially in emerging economies, continued to invest heavily in infrastructure projects. This trend resulted in higher demand for bitumen, which further contributed to price increases. As a result, industry stakeholders responded by ramping up production and seeking innovative solutions to meet the rising needs.
4. Supply Chain Challenges: Furthermore, disruptions in logistics and transportation, stemming from global supply chain issues, hampered the availability of bitumen in some regions. Such challenges impacted pricing by creating temporary shortages, prompting suppliers to adjust their pricing strategies to maintain profitability.
5. Seasonal Weather Patterns: Additionally, seasonal factors played a role in bitumen production and transportation. For instance, adverse weather conditions occasionally disrupted operations, affecting the supply side of the market. Consequently, this unpredictability influenced pricing, highlighting the need for adaptability among stakeholders.
Conclusion
In summary, 2023 proved to be a pivotal year for the bitumen market, with prices shaped by a complex interplay of geopolitical events, crude oil price volatility, increased demand for infrastructure, supply chain challenges, and seasonal variations. Moreover, Argus’ analysis highlights the importance of staying informed about these trends and adapting strategies accordingly. By understanding the factors influencing bitumen pricing, stakeholders can navigate the market more effectively and position themselves for future opportunities. As infrastructure investments continue to grow, the bitumen market remains poised for further developments, making it essential for industry players to remain proactive in their approach.