The global bitumen landscape this week highlights diverging regional dynamics. Europe’s seasonal slowdown contrasts with steady African import activity and oversupplied Asian markets. While weather, refinery turnarounds, and cargo logistics continue to shape short-term availability, longer-term planning for 2026 term contracts has already begun.
North and central Europe saw mixed momentum as ample supply kept most truck prices steady or slightly weaker. Germany benefited from modest infrastructure spending boosts and resumed refinery operations, stabilizing regional supply. Meanwhile, strikes in Benelux ports caused vessel delays, and cooler Nordic weather started to curb activity. Poland maintained consistent exports, but Romania and Hungary struggled with low domestic demand and damp conditions. In the Mediterranean, Greece emerged as a strong supplier to offset reduced Italian and Turkish cargo availability due to maintenance outages.
Sub-Saharan Africa witnessed contrasting signals. West Africa’s prolonged rainy season delayed projects, but import terminals in Togo and Nigeria continued receiving cargoes from European and Turkish sources. Ivory Coast exports stayed active, with multiple vessels discharging across major coastal terminals. East Africa maintained steady operations, supported by consistent demand in Kenya and Tanzania, while southern markets like South Africa reported activity slowdowns due to heavy rainfall. As weather conditions improve, traders expect a surge in procurement to replenish depleted inventories before year-end.
Asian markets remained largely oversupplied. Singapore, South Korea, and Gulf suppliers faced subdued demand as buyers delayed purchases amid logistical ease and stable feedstock costs. Southeast Asia’s construction rhythm slowed under intermittent rains, while Chinese coastal demand softened following recent maintenance cycles. Despite these pressures, Indian buyers and Southeast Asian contractors are already planning for Q4 procurement and early 2026 deliveries, positioning the region for a measured recovery.
Market participants should monitor how seasonal transitions and refinery maintenance affect trade flow continuity. With Europe entering winter slowdown, Africa preparing for its dry-season ramp-up, and Asia navigating oversupply, strategic timing of cargo bookings will be key over the next 4–6 weeks. Coordination between suppliers, refiners, and logistics partners will define who captures the most favorable positions entering Q4.