SC-2 Cutback Bitumen Price
Last updated: 2026-09-29
SC-2 Cutback Bitumen Price
SC-2 cutback bitumen prices range from $430 to $560 per metric ton FOB, depending on the base penetration grade (typically 60/70 or 85/100), solvent ratio, and order volume. For a 20 MT (one flexitank) order, expect to pay around $8,600–$11,200 total, with delivery taking 7–21 days depending on destination port. Bulk orders above 500 MT can reduce unit pricing by 5–9% through drum or vessel-based shipment.
SC-2 is a medium-curing cutback bitumen produced by blending penetration-grade asphalt with a controlled proportion of kerosene-type solvent (usually 15–25% by volume). It is designed for cold-applied surface treatments, prime coats, and tack coats where hot bitumen application is impractical. Because price depends on both the asphalt base and the solvent, SC-2 pricing moves with two markets at once — making it more volatile than straight-run penetration bitumen.
What Determines the SC-2 Cutback Bitumen Price?
Five cost drivers sit behind every SC-2 quotation. Understanding them helps you negotiate and forecast.
| Cost Driver | Typical Impact on Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Base bitumen grade (60/70 vs 85/100) | ±$25–40/MT | 60/70 is more common for SC-2 |
| Solvent type & ratio (kerosene vs diesel) | ±$40–70/MT | Higher solvent % = higher cost |
| Packaging (bulk, flexitank, drum) | +$30–90/MT | Drums are the most expensive |
| Order volume (20 MT vs 1,000 MT) | −5% to −9% | Vessel/bulk gives best rates |
| Freight & destination port | +$60–180/MT | FOB vs CIF can differ sharply |
SC-2 cutback is normally manufactured from 60/70 pen bitumen, though 85/100 is used when a softer residue is required. When 60/70 pen bitumen trades at $400–470/MT FOB, SC-2 typically prices $30–50/MT higher because of solvent addition and blending costs.
The solvent fraction is the single most variable input. A typical SC-2 uses 15–25% kerosene-type cutter stock. When kerosene prices rise, SC-2 quotations follow within 1–2 weeks. A 5% increase in solvent cost translates to roughly a $10–18/MT increase in SC-2 price.
- **Bulk (vessel/ISO tank):** lowest unit price, best for 200+ MT
- **Flexitank (20 MT):** mid-range, popular for 20–100 MT orders
- **New steel drums (150–180 kg):** highest cost, fees add **$60–90/MT**
- **Reconditioned drums:** cheaper but risk contamination and customer rejection
- **FOB** pricing excludes ocean freight — buyer arranges shipping
- **CIF** pricing bundles freight and insurance — typically **$60–180/MT** more
- **500–1,000 MT** orders in bulk vessels regularly achieve **5–9% discounts**
SC-2 Cutback Bitumen Price Comparison Table (2025 Benchmark)
The table below reflects indicative FOB pricing from Middle East and Asian refineries. Actual quotes vary by supplier, grade, and delivery window.
| Region / Origin | Base Grade | Packaging | Price (USD/MT, FOB) | Typical Lead Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Middle East (UAE, Iran) | 60/70 | Bulk vessel | $430–470 | 10–20 days |
| Middle East (UAE) | 60/70 | Flexitank | $470–510 | 7–14 days |
| Southeast Asia (Malaysia) | 60/70 | Flexitank | $490–530 | 10–18 days |
| Southeast Asia | 85/100 | Drum | $520–560 | 14–21 days |
| South Asia (India) | 60/70 | Drum | $510–555 | 12–20 days |
| Europe (Spain, Greece) | 60/70 | Bulk | $500–550 | 15–25 days |
Key takeaway: The cheapest SC-2 sources are Middle East bulk shipments. Drummed product from any origin carries a $60–90/MT premium. For orders under 100 MT, flexitank from the Middle East offers the best balance of price and handling.
| Grade | Curing Speed | Solvent % | Relative Price | Primary Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| **SC-1** | Slow | 10–15% | −$20 to −$35 | Prime coats, dust laying |
| **SC-2** | Medium | 15–25% | Baseline | Surface treatment, tack coat |
| **SC-3** | Medium-fast | 25–35% | +$25 to +$45 | Cold mix patching |
| **MC-30** | Medium | 20–30% | Similar to SC-2 | Prime coat |
| **RC-2** | Rapid | 25–35% | +$30 to +$50 | Rapid-set surface dressing |
SC-2 sits in the middle of the cutback family — cheaper than fast-curing RC grades, more expensive than slow-curing SC-1. Its medium curing speed makes it the default choice for moderate-climate chip seals and tack coats.
How to Calculate Your Total SC-2 Order Cost
Converting a per-ton quote into a landed cost requires adding four components. Use this framework:
Landed Cost = (Unit Price × Tonnage) + Freight + Insurance + Port/Documentation Fees
Example: 100 MT SC-2, Middle East to West Africa
- Unit price (FOB flexitank): **$480/MT**
- Base cost: 100 × $480 = **$48,000**
- Ocean freight: **$2,800**
- Insurance (0.3% of CIF): **$152**
- Documentation & port fees: **$350**
- **Total landed cost: ~$51,302 ($513/MT)**
That's a $33/MT (6.9%) uplift over the FOB price. Freight is the biggest variable — for shorter routes it can drop below $20/MT, while remote ports can push it above $60/MT.
| Order Volume | Typical Discount vs 20 MT | Best Packaging |
|---|---|---|
| 20 MT | Baseline | 1 flexitank |
| 100 MT | −3% to −5% | 5 flexitanks |
| 500 MT | −5% to −7% | ISO tanks |
| 1,000 MT+ | −7% to −9% | Bulk vessel |
SC-2 Cutback Price Forecast & Buying Strategy (2026)
Three forces will shape SC-2 pricing over the next 12 months:
1. Crude oil trend: Base bitumen tracks crude with a 2–4 week lag. A $5/bbl crude move shifts SC-2 by roughly $15–25/MT.
2. Kerosene supply: Seasonal heating demand in Q4 pushes solvent costs up, which can add $10–20/MT to SC-2.
3. Refinery maintenance cycles: Q1 and Q3 turnarounds tighten base bitumen supply, spiking prices 5–10%.
Buying recommendations:
- **Lock prices quarterly** rather than monthly — reduces exposure to spot volatility
- **Order 60–90 MT** per flexitank batch to hit the 3–5% discount tier without overstocking
- **Specify 60/70 base** unless your application demands softer residue
- **Request FOB + your own freight** if you ship regularly — often 4–7% cheaper than CIF
- **Verify solvent content** with a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) before payment
FAQ: SC-2 Cutback Bitumen Price
Q1: What is the current price of SC-2 cutback bitumen per ton?
SC-2 cutback bitumen currently ranges from $430 to $560 per metric ton FOB, with Middle East bulk shipments at the low end and drummed Southeast Asian product at the high end. Final pricing depends on base grade, solvent ratio, packaging, and order volume.
Q2: Is SC-2 more expensive than penetration bitumen 60/70?
Yes — SC-2 typically costs $30–50/MT more than straight 60/70 penetration bitumen because of added kerosene-type solvent and blending costs. The premium widens when solvent prices rise.
Q3: What is the minimum order quantity for SC-2 cutback?
Most suppliers accept one flexitank (20 MT) as a minimum order. Bulk vessel shipments usually start at 200–500 MT, while drum orders can be as low as 5–10 MT at a higher unit price.
Q4: How long does SC-2 cutback delivery take?
Standard lead time is 7–14 days for flexitank orders and 10–21 days for drum or bulk shipments, depending on origin and destination port. Documentation and customs clearance can add another 3–7 days.
Q5: Does SC-2 cutback price include freight?
Only if you buy on CIF or CFR terms. FOB pricing excludes ocean freight, insurance, and port charges, which together add $60–180/MT. Always confirm the Incoterm before comparing quotes.
Closing CTA
Ready to price your SC-2 cutback order down to the last dollar? Use the 6Tar cost calculator to convert FOB quotes into full landed costs — including freight, insurance, port fees, and volume discounts — in under 60 seconds. Get an accurate SC-2 cutback price for your exact tonnage, origin, and destination before you commit to a contract.