Africa Bitumen Market Moves Higher Across All Regions as April Upside Builds

The African bitumen market is entering a strong upward phase, with price increases now visible across all key regions.
Late March confirmed a broad-based rise, driven by higher import costs, freight increases, and tightening supply flows.
While the pace differs by market, the direction is clearly aligned upward momentum is building ahead of April.

Nigeria

The Nigerian market is holding steady for now, but upward pressure is clearly building.
Truck prices are currently reported around $800–870/t ex-works equivalent, still partially supported by older inventories purchased before the recent global price surge.
However, demand is starting to feel the impact of rising input costs, particularly diesel. Some buyers are becoming more cautious, but this has not yet translated into a significant slowdown.
As lower-cost stocks are gradually depleted, the market is expected to move higher, with strong price increases likely in April.

Ghana & Ivory Coast

West Africa is already reflecting the upward trend, with prices remaining elevated despite minor short-term corrections.
Export prices from Ivory Coast are still holding at relatively high levels, indicating that the market has already absorbed a large part of the recent increases.
At the same time:

• The Abidjan refinery remains offline
• Supply continues through imported cargoes from Europe
• Additional shipments are expected into Ghana in April

Despite some short-term volatility linked to crude and HSFO movements, the overall price direction remains firmly upward.

Kenya

Kenya has seen one of the strongest upward moves in the region.
Truck prices have increased sharply to around $1,150–1,300/t ex-works equivalent, reflecting the full pass-through of higher import prices and freight costs.
So far, demand especially from major infrastructure projects has remained relatively resilient, with buyers continuing to accept higher price levels.

Tanzania

Tanzania is following the same upward trajectory, supported by firm import pricing and rising logistics costs.
Delivered prices are holding around $740–750/t, but increasing freight costs now up to around $220–230/t are adding further upward pressure.
Limited inflow of fresh cargo is also raising concerns about potential supply tightness, which could accelerate price increases in the near term.

South Africa

South Africa has also started to move upward, although at a slower pace compared to East Africa.
Truck prices are currently around $660–690/t ex-works, supported by still-available stocks from earlier import waves.
However, these inventories are gradually being reduced following strong demand in March.
With fewer incoming cargoes and upcoming monthly price revisions, the market is expected to adjust higher, bringing it in line with the broader regional trend.

Market View

All major African markets are now moving in the same direction.

• Import costs are rising
• Freight rates remain elevated
• Supply flows are tightening

While some markets have moved faster than others, the overall trend is clearly upward.
April is likely to be the point where price increases become more pronounced and synchronized across the region.
Milad (Sales Expert, Infinity Galaxy):
“At Infinity Galaxy, we see the same pattern across all markets prices are already moving up, but the full impact hasn’t hit yet. Once replacement costs are fully reflected, the next wave of increases will come through quickly.”