The European bitumen market started September with mixed results. While truck prices in northwest Europe stayed the same after earlier changes, central Europe kept a falling trend as supply was more than demand. Activity increased in France, Benelux, Poland, and the Czech Republic after the slower period, but key markets like Germany and the UK still showed weakness.
Northwest Europe: Prices Stabilize
Prices in Rotterdam and Antwerp went up a little to €455–470/t, showing some strength. But the cargo side told another story: immediate prices kept going down, with Rotterdam and Baltic extra prices slipping again. Even Shell’s 5,000–6,000t Rotterdam offer had trouble finding buyers, showing how careful the market has become.
UK & Ireland: Truck Prices Down
Southern UK truck prices went down to £390–405/t. Demand remains slow, even though August imports reached their highest since April. With government spending limited and the November budget ahead, the market is waiting for a new push that may or may not come.
France: Demand Raises
In France, prices stayed the same at €455–470/t, but demand grew strongly in early September. Political uncertainty with the resignation of the Prime Minister makes the future unclear. Meanwhile, Benelux markets were much more positive, with suppliers reporting stronger activity than during the summer quiet time.
Central Europe: Pressure on Supply
Poland and the Czech Republic saw truck prices fall €15/t and €10/t lower, respectively. Yet, demand in Poland is finally showing seasonal improvement, even if year-to-date consumption is still down almost 10pc. In Ukraine, prices stayed the same, with imports just under 7,000t in early September.
Balkans & Eastern Europe: Competitive Pressure
Romania’s truck prices went down more to €415–430/t, while Bulgaria fell even harder, to as low as €377/t. Hungary stayed the same, though repair work at Mol’s refinery made less supply. Austria’s Schwechat refinery, once expected to make supply less, surprisingly had little effect.
Nordics & Baltics: Mixed Cargo Flows
Sweden continues to support Nordic demand, keeping imports alive, though most buyers are already agreed by deals. Lithuania is getting ready for the October Mazeikiai refinery temporary closure for repairs, which will cut daily production by about 25%. Domestic prices there stayed the same at €425–447/t depending on grade.
Outlook
September is looking like a month of differences: some regions are showing new progress, while others are weighed down by oversupply. Central Europe could recover modestly thanks to seasonal activity, but oversupply in the Balkans and political uncertainty in France and the UK keep risks high. The Nordics and Baltics may make less supply in October as refinery repair work hits, adding another layer to Europe’s uneven market story.
Bitumen Price In Europe
Updated Bitumen 60/70 Price in Europe Port
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