Bitumen prices across Sub-Saharan Africa increased sharply during the week ending 13 March as crude oil and fuel oil markets surged amid geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. The jump in feedstock costs pushed import cargo prices significantly higher across West and East Africa, while domestic truck prices also strengthened in major markets such as South Africa and Nigeria. At the same time, recent cargo arrivals filled storage facilities in some key importing hubs, temporarily slowing the pace of new deliveries. Suppliers are also adjusting logistics and sourcing strategies to maintain flows into East African markets.
Nigeria
Nigeria’s bitumen import market strengthened significantly as higher crude and fuel oil prices pushed cargo values upward.
Import cargoes into Lagos were assessed around $759-769/t, reflecting a strong increase compared with earlier levels.
However, the pace of fresh cargo deliveries slowed after several recent shipments filled storage tanks at Nigerian terminals, leaving limited space for prompt arrivals.
Domestic truck prices also moved higher, with suppliers indicating levels around N1.25mn/t ex-works and in some cases between N1.2-1.5mn/t.
Demand from the construction sector remains firm during the peak paving season, and additional price increases are expected once newly loaded cargoes arrive later in March or early April.
Senegal
Senegal’s bitumen market saw new logistical developments following the launch of a recently built 6,000t import terminal in Dakar operated by Afrique Bitume.
The facility received its first partial cargo earlier in February, improving import capacity and regional distribution.
Tankers are now discharging bitumen through a pipeline directly connected to the terminal near Dakar port, strengthening Senegal’s position as a distribution point for regional supply flows.
Ivory Coast
Ivory Coast continues to play an important role in regional trade as export cargo prices from Abidjan rose significantly alongside global fuel oil markets.
Cargo values reached around $701-705/t fob Abidjan. Market participants are closely watching the restart of the SMB refinery in Abidjan, which has been under maintenance since late January.
The refinery was expected to resume operations around mid-March, and the timing of the restart will influence regional import requirements and supply availability.
Angola
Angola remained active in regional trade flows as vessels continued to deliver Mediterranean-sourced bitumen cargoes to Luanda.
One tanker arrived during the week to discharge cargo loaded in Greece, adding to available supply in the market. These deliveries help support infrastructure projects and maintain regional supply stability.
Kenya
Kenya’s bitumen market faced logistical challenges as suppliers adapted operations due to disruptions affecting Middle East Gulf export routes.
Import prices for drummed material delivered to Mombasa rose to around $605-615/t, reflecting higher upstream costs and freight risks.
Suppliers are exploring alternative sourcing routes, including shipments from Europe or transfers through ports outside the Strait of Hormuz, to maintain supply flows to East African markets.
Tanzania
Tanzania’s import market also experienced price increases, with drummed cargoes delivered to Dar es Salaam assessed around $605-615/t.
Freight rates from the Middle East Gulf remained elevated due to war-related surcharges imposed by shipping lines.
Despite these higher logistics costs, suppliers remain cautiously optimistic that shipments from regional storage hubs will continue to reach East African destinations in the coming weeks.
Outlook
Bitumen markets across Sub-Saharan Africa are expected to remain firm in the near term as crude oil and fuel oil markets continue to influence pricing.
Higher feedstock costs and increased freight risk premiums are likely to support elevated cargo prices across both West and East African markets.
At the same time, storage constraints in some importing hubs and adjustments in supply routes could create short-term volatility in cargo flows.
However, with several cargo shipments scheduled and sufficient stocks in some regions, most markets appear adequately supplied in the short term.
Market participants will closely monitor geopolitical developments and refinery operations, which could further shape supply conditions and pricing trends in the coming weeks.
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