Global bitumen markets moved through a week defined by seasonal slowdowns in Europe, expanding infrastructure momentum in Africa, and strategic buying pauses across Asia-Pacific. Weather disruptions, refinery maintenance cycles, and shifting vessel activity continue to shape near-term trade flows across major regions.
Europe continues to operate in a typical winter slowdown, with road paving and infrastructure movement restricted by snow, rainfall, and low seasonal consumption. Construction schedules remain cautious across the UK, Ireland, France, and parts of Central Europe.
At the same time, refinery maintenance programs across several production centers are reducing operational flexibility. While demand is currently muted, supply availability will become more important once project activity resumes in late February and March.
Logistics remains another key theme, as freight capacity constraints and limited spot vessel availability are adding pressure to regional cargo movement planning.
Across West Africa, road project momentum is rising steadily, triggering stronger terminal inflows into Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, and surrounding markets. Import activity remains elevated as regional supply routes stay active.
Maintenance activity at a key West African refinery has increased reliance on imported volumes, pushing more cargoes toward strategic storage and distribution hubs.
In East Africa, Kenya and Uganda remain in active construction mode, while logistical uncertainty continues to influence sourcing behavior. Southern Africa, especially South Africa, is seeing increased inbound cargo competition, which is reshaping inland truck supply dynamics.
Asia-Pacific markets are entering a slower procurement phase as buyers step back following early seasonal purchasing ahead of major holidays. Vietnam has largely completed near-term supply coverage, with demand expected to return more strongly in March.
Indonesia continues facing rainy-season paving delays, limiting immediate consumption despite stable underlying roadwork programs. Thailand’s refiners are prioritizing domestic needs, keeping export availability limited until regional import demand returns.
China’s buying remains cautious and largely short-term, while India continues to experience firm infrastructure demand, although prompt cargo and vessel availability is tightening.