The global bitumen market this week reflected diverging seasonal dynamics. Europe approached its winter slowdown with cautious procurement; Africa saw a strong uptick in road-building activity as dry weather set in; and Asia navigated through a soft demand phase amid ample supply and holiday disruptions.
🌐 Key Global Highlights of the Week
🚧 Europe: Cargo Shortages and Seasonal Demand Collide
Europe entered the late-autumn slowdown phase as project completions accelerated ahead of colder weather. In northern and central regions, construction demand weakened, with suppliers balancing ample inventories against falling consumption.
Refinery maintenance in Germany and Hungary added localized tightness, though cross-border flows partially offset the disruptions. The impact of fresh US sanctions on Russian oil companies introduced uncertainty for southeastern supply routes, especially where refineries depend on mixed crude sources.
Across Western Europe, buyers in the UK, Ireland, and France began planning next year’s requirements. Negotiations for 2026 term deals reflected expectations of reduced volumes and continued cautious spending on public infrastructure.
🌍 Africa: Strong Imports, Regional Planning, and New Vessels
In West Africa, the end of the rainy season triggered a surge in demand as governments mobilized contractors to accelerate delayed roadworks. Nigeria, Ghana, and Côte d’Ivoire led import growth, supported by stable cargo flows from Mediterranean and European suppliers.
The restart of the SMB refinery in Abidjan restored local production after a short outage, while new cargoes from Antwerp and Lome ensured additional supply to regional ports. North African countries like Algeria and Morocco continued heavy import programs, benefitting from Greek and Spanish shipments amid ongoing maintenance at Italian facilities.
South Africa’s terminals received fresh deliveries, easing earlier tightness and aligning domestic supply with the coming construction season. East African import patterns through Mombasa and Dar es Salaam remained steady, reflecting a balanced regional outlook.
🌏 Asia-Pacific: Weather Disruptions and Tactical Delays
Asia’s markets remained subdued as monsoon remnants and festive holidays limited procurement. Indian buyers paused purchases during the Diwali period, while Southeast Asian countries faced shipment delays from persistent rainfall.
South Korea and Singapore continued to experience muted export demand, forcing refiners to adjust loadings and prioritize contract customers. Meanwhile, China maintained stable coastal intake, though regional spot interest was minimal.
Overall, the region’s subdued tone is expected to shift gradually in early 2026 as weather improves and infrastructure budgets reset for the new year.
🧭 Strategic Outlook: Q3 Positioning Begins Now
Global players are preparing for a transition period marked by winter slowdowns in Europe, robust African infrastructure spending, and cautious restocking in Asia.
Monitoring refinery uptime, shipping lane adjustments, and early-2026 tender cycles will be key for traders and contractors navigating the next four to six weeks.