Bangladesh Bitumen Import Demand
Last updated: 2026-09-29
Bangladesh Bitumen Import Demand: Direct Answer
Bangladesh's bitumen import demand stands at approximately 1.1–1.3 million metric tons per year in 2024–2025, valued at roughly $550–650 million at an average landed price of $480–520 per MT. Around 85–90% of this volume is sourced from Singapore, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, with the remainder coming from India, Malaysia, and South Korea. Demand is growing at 6–8% annually, driven by national highway upgrades, the Padma Bridge-linked road network, and rural infrastructure programs under the government's Annual Development Programme (ADP).
Why Bangladesh's Bitumen Import Demand Keeps Rising
Bangladesh produces almost zero domestic bitumen—its two Eastern Refinery units in Chattogram yield only token quantities of low-grade asphalt. That means every kilometer of paved road depends on imports. With the Road Transport and Highways Division targeting over 4,500 km of new highways and 20,000+ km of rural roads by 2030, import demand is structurally locked in for the next decade.
Key demand drivers:
- National highway four-laning projects consuming 60,000–90,000 MT of bitumen each
- Rural Roads and Highways Division (RRHD) programs using 40/50 penetration grade bitumen
- Padma Bridge and approach road networks adding sustained multi-year demand
- Urban development in Dhaka and Chattogram requiring PMB (polymer modified bitumen)
- ADP budget allocation of BDT 2.6+ trillion (FY2024–25), with roads receiving the largest single share
Bangladesh Bitumen Import Data: 5-Year Snapshot
| Year | Import Volume (MT) | Value (USD) | Avg. Landed Price ($/MT) | YoY Growth |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FY2020 | 780,000 | $296M | $380 | — |
| FY2021 | 850,000 | $357M | $420 | +9.0% |
| FY2022 | 960,000 | $480M | $500 | +12.9% |
| FY2023 | 1,050,000 | $546M | $520 | +9.4% |
| FY2024 | 1,150,000 | $575M | $500 | +9.5% |
| FY2025 (est.) | 1,250,000 | $625M | $500 | +8.7% |
Takeaway: Volume grew 60% in five years while value more than doubled, reflecting both higher tonnage and post-2021 price inflation.
Top Suppliers: Who Bangladesh Buys From
| Country | Share of Imports | Typical Grade | Est. Annual Volume (MT) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Singapore | 35% | 60/70, 80/100, PMB | 400,000–440,000 |
| Saudi Arabia | 25% | 60/70, 40/50 | 290,000–310,000 |
| UAE | 20% | 60/70, 80/100 | 230,000–250,000 |
| India | 10% | 60/70, VG-30 | 110,000–130,000 |
| Malaysia / South Korea | 8% | 60/70, PMB | 90,000–100,000 |
| Others | 2% | Various | 20,000–25,000 |
Singapore dominates because of Shell and ExxonMobil refinery grades that meet Bangladesh's BSC (Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution) penetration and viscosity specs without blending. Saudi Arabia's Aramco grades are price-competitive for bulk government tenders.
Price Trends and Cost Structure for Importers
Bitumen landed cost in Bangladesh breaks down roughly as follows (per MT at $500 FOB):
| Cost Component | Amount ($/MT) | % of Landed Cost |
|---|---|---|
| FOB price (Singapore 60/70) | $500 | 84% |
| Ocean freight (bulk/drum) | $35–45 | 7–8% |
| Insurance | $3–5 | <1% |
| Import duty + supplementary duty | $25–35 | 5–6% |
| Port, handling, demurrage | $10–15 | 2% |
| Total landed (Chattogram) | $575–600 | 100% |
Bangladesh slaps a 5% customs duty plus 15% VAT on bitumen imports, though government infrastructure projects often get partial exemptions. Private road contractors absorbed an estimated 12% cost increase between FY2022 and FY2024 due to freight volatility and taka depreciation.
Logistics and Seasonal Import Patterns
Bangladesh's bitumen imports follow a monsoon-aware calendar:
- November–March (dry season): Peak construction, imports spike 30–40%
- April–May: Pre-monsoon stockpiling
- June–September (monsoon): Import volumes drop 25–35% as paving halts
- October: Restocking begins
Chattogram Port handles over 90% of bitumen imports, with Mongla Port taking the remainder. Average port dwell time is 4–7 days, and bulk carriers of 3,000–8,000 MT are typical. Drummed bitumen (150–180 kg drums) still accounts for ~40% of volume because many smaller contractors lack heated storage tanks.
FAQ: Bangladesh Bitumen Import Demand
Q1: How much bitumen does Bangladesh import annually?
Bangladesh imports approximately 1.15–1.25 million metric tons per year as of FY2024–25, valued at $550–650 million. Volume is growing 6–8% annually on the back of highway and rural road expansion.
Q2: Which country is the largest bitumen supplier to Bangladesh?
Singapore is the largest supplier, holding roughly 35% market share with 400,000–440,000 MT annually, followed by Saudi Arabia (25%) and the UAE (20%). Singapore's 60/70 and 80/100 grades meet BSC specs directly.
Q3: What is the current bitumen price in Bangladesh?
Landed bitumen price at Chattogram ranges from $575–600 per MT in 2024–25, depending on grade and origin. Domestic resale to contractors typically runs BDT 78,000–85,000 per MT, including trader margins.
Q4: Does Bangladesh produce any bitumen domestically?
No meaningful domestic production exists—Eastern Refinery's asphalt output is negligible and far below national demand. Bangladesh relies on imports for over 99% of its bitumen consumption.
Q5: What is the outlook for Bangladesh bitumen import demand through 2030?
Demand is projected to reach 1.8–2.0 million MT by 2030, a 50–60% increase from 2024 levels. Drivers include the $40+ billion ADP road budget, bridge-linked corridor projects, and PMB adoption for heavy-traffic highways.
Closing: Calculate Your Bangladesh Bitumen Import Cost
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