East Asian bitumen prices moved higher this week as crude remained above $100/bbl and freight, refinery feedstock and Gulf-route risks continued to support costs. Tight availability of suitable feedstock is also keeping supply from key origins including Singapore, Thailand and South Korea constrained. However, higher offers are facing affordability resistance. Buyers remain active mainly against...

Brent crude remained above $100/bbl at the end of the week, while commercial traffic through the Strait of Hormuz stayed at very low levels. Disruptions to Saudi Arabia’s East-West pipeline have also added pressure to alternative crude export routes in the region. For the East Asian bitumen market, the immediate impact has been higher feedstock,...

The US-Iran conflict intensified again toward the end of the week, pushing Brent crude to around $93/bbl in the latest trading sessions. At the same time, commercial traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remains significantly below normal levels, while reports of a recent attack on an Iranian tanker near Kharg Island have once again increased...

East Asia’s bitumen market faces limited September cargo availability, while demand remains uneven across key markets. Singapore and Thailand stay constrained, China gains a larger supply role, and buyers increasingly weigh origin, grade, freight, and execution alongside price.

East Asia’s bitumen market is seeing tighter supply, but demand remains selective. Singapore and Thailand face limited availability, while South Korea and China are gaining attention as alternative origins. Indonesia shows early restocking, but buyers remain focused on price, availability and delivery timing.

Crude above $85 and tighter regional supply continue to support East Asian bitumen prices, but demand remains cautious due to rainfall and budget constraints. China is strengthening as a regional supplier, while buyers increasingly prioritize cargo availability, freight, loading schedules, and execution reliability over price alone.

Renewed tensions between the United States and Iran around the Strait of Hormuz have increased geopolitical risk across global energy markets, supporting crude and freight costs while East Asian bitumen buyers remain cautious.

East Asia’s bitumen market is now driven by execution, not just price.

This report reflects market conditions updated as of 15 June 2026, including the latest developments in the Middle East. The announcement of a 60-day ceasefire framework between Iran and the United States has improved market sentiment and raised expectations for better shipping conditions through the Hormuz Strait. Brent crude opened the week near $83/bbl, indicating...

The East Asian bitumen market remained relatively stable at the end of May, although supply conditions and cargo availability continue to play a more important role than price alone. Current market indications show FOB Singapore at $566–575/MT and FOB South Korea at $540–550/MT, while CFR East China prices moved higher and Indonesia Ex-Works prices saw...