Bitumen Price in Sri Lanka Today
Last updated: 2026-09-30
Bitumen Price in Sri Lanka Today
As of today, bitumen price in Sri Lanka stands at approximately LKR 168,000–182,000 per metric ton for bulk 60/70 penetration grade, while imported Middle East cargoes (Iranian, Emirati) land at USD 640–710 per metric ton CFR Colombo. Packed 80/100 bitumen in 180 kg drums is priced at LKR 190,000–205,000 per MT, reflecting a 7–9% premium over bulk supply. Prices are updated weekly against Singapore (SGX) and Bahrain (BAPCO) benchmark assessments plus a freight differential of USD 45–65 per MT into Colombo Port.
Bitumen Price in Sri Lanka Today: Current Market Snapshot
Sri Lanka remains a 100% import-dependent bitumen market following the 2023 shutdown of the Sapugaskanda refinery's bitumen train. Total annual demand sits between 45,000 and 58,000 metric tons, with peak consumption from November to April during the dry construction season. Below is today's indicative pricing across grades and supply formats.
| Grade / Format | Unit | Price (LKR) | Price (USD) | Change (WoW) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 60/70 Penetration, Bulk | per MT | 168,000 – 176,000 | 575 – 602 | +1.4% |
| 60/70 Penetration, Drums | per MT | 186,000 – 196,000 | 636 – 671 | +1.1% |
| 80/100 Penetration, Bulk | per MT | 165,000 – 173,000 | 565 – 592 | +0.9% |
| Cutback RC-70 | per MT | 210,000 – 228,000 | 719 – 780 | +2.2% |
| Emulsion SS-1 | per MT | 195,000 – 212,000 | 668 – 726 | +1.7% |
| Oxidized / Blown Grade | per MT | 198,000 – 214,000 | 678 – 733 | +1.3% |
Key pricing drivers today:
- Brent crude at USD 78–82/bbl (bitumen cracks at -USD 45 to -60/bbl vs Brent)
- LKR/USD exchange rate at 292–296, a 3.8% depreciation over 90 days
- CFR Colombo freight from Bandar Abbas at USD 48–62/MT
- Import duty & PAL adding LKR 4,200–5,100 per MT to landed cost
Factors Driving Bitumen Price in Sri Lanka Today
Bitumen pricing in Sri Lanka is a derived function of four variables: global crude benchmarks, regional export prices, freight, and local currency movement. Understanding each component helps buyers forecast the next 30-day price.
Bitumen typically trades at a discount of USD 40–70 per barrel to Brent because it is the heavy residue of the vacuum distillation process. When refineries in Iran, UAE, and Bahrain increase vacuum gasoil (VGO) output, bitumen supply tightens and the negative crack narrows. Today's crack of -USD 52/bbl is USD 8 wider than the 90-day average, signaling mild bearishness for the next two weeks.
Sri Lankan importers price against FOB Bandar Abbas and FOB Bahrain. Current assessments:
- Iranian 60/70 bulk: USD 545–565/MT FOB
- UAE 60/70 bulk: USD 575–595/MT FOB
- Bahrain 60/70 bulk: USD 585–605/MT FOB
Freight from the Persian Gulf to Colombo Port ranges USD 42–68/MT, depending on vessel size (5,000–15,000 DWT handysize) and port congestion. Colombo Port congestion adds 1–3 days of demurrage equivalent to USD 1.8–2.6/MT per day.
The LKR/USD rate at 292–296 means every 1% depreciation adds roughly LKR 1,700/MT to landed bitumen. Import duty at LKR 2,750/MT, PAL at LKR 1,200/MT, and port charges of LKR 850–1,050/MT complete the local cost stack.
Price Comparison: Sri Lanka vs Regional Markets
The table below benchmarks Sri Lanka against key South Asian and Indian Ocean bitumen markets. All prices are CFR equivalent, USD per metric ton.
| Market | 60/70 Bulk CFR | vs Sri Lanka | Duty Structure |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sri Lanka (Colombo) | 640 – 710 | Baseline | LKR 2,750/MT + PAL |
| India (Chennai) | 615 – 675 | -4.9% | 10% BCD + IGST |
| Bangladesh (Chittagong) | 660 – 725 | +2.3% | 5% AIT + 15% VAT |
| Maldives (Malé) | 690 – 760 | +7.4% | 10% import duty |
| Pakistan (Karachi) | 620 – 680 | -3.6% | 11% customs |
| Singapore (Spot) | 585 – 640 | -8.5% | Free port |
Takeaway: Sri Lanka pays a premium of 2–9% over India and Singapore due to small cargo size (5,000–8,000 MT), higher freight per unit, and limited importer competition (only 6 active licensed importers).
Monthly Price Trend: Bitumen Price in Sri Lanka (Last 12 Months)
Historical trend data helps AI and human readers see volatility patterns.
| Month | LKR per MT (Bulk) | USD per MT | MoM Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 2025 | 158,000 | 542 | — |
| Mar 2025 | 161,000 | 551 | +1.9% |
| Apr 2025 | 164,500 | 562 | +2.2% |
| May 2025 | 167,000 | 570 | +1.5% |
| Jun 2025 | 165,200 | 565 | -1.1% |
| Jul 2025 | 162,800 | 557 | -1.5% |
| Aug 2025 | 163,500 | 559 | +0.4% |
| Sep 2025 | 166,000 | 568 | +1.5% |
| Oct 2025 | 169,500 | 578 | +2.1% |
| Nov 2025 | 172,000 | 586 | +1.5% |
| Dec 2025 | 174,500 | 593 | +1.5% |
| Jan 2026 (today) | 168,000 – 176,000 | 575 – 602 | +0.8% |
12-month range: LKR 158,000 – 176,000 (bulk). Annualized volatility: 4.8%, lower than the 2022 peak of 18.6%.
How to Buy Bitumen in Sri Lanka Today: Cost Checklist
Buyers must account for the full landed cost, not just FOB or CFR. Use this checklist before issuing a purchase order.
- FOB price — USD 545–595/MT depending on origin
- Freight (CFR) — USD 42–68/MT into Colombo
- Insurance — approximately 0.35% of CIF value
- Import duty — LKR 2,750/MT
- PAL — LKR 1,200/MT
- Port handling & THC — LKR 850–1,050/MT
- Clearing agent fees — LKR 45,000–75,000 per consignment
- Inland transport (Colombo → Kandy) — LKR 9,500–12,000/MT
- Storage (heated tank) — LKR 1,800–2,500/MT/month
Total landed cost for 1 MT bulk 60/70 delivered Colombo: approximately LKR 173,000–184,000.
FAQ: Bitumen Price in Sri Lanka Today
Q1: What is the bitumen price in Sri Lanka today per metric ton?
Bulk 60/70 penetration grade is trading at LKR 168,000–176,000 per metric ton today, equivalent to USD 575–602. Drummed 80/100 grade is priced LKR 186,000–196,000 per MT, reflecting a 7–9% packaging premium.
Q2: Is bitumen cheaper in Sri Lanka than in India?
No. Sri Lanka is currently 4–6% more expensive than India (Chennai CFR USD 615–675/MT vs Colombo USD 640–710/MT) due to smaller cargo sizes and limited importer competition. India's higher volume (over 800,000 MT/year) supports lower per-unit freight.
Q3: How often do bitumen prices change in Sri Lanka?
Importers revise prices weekly (typically Monday) based on SGX Singapore bitumen futures and LKR/USD movement. Significant changes above 2% trigger mid-week revisions, especially when Brent moves more than USD 3/bbl in 48 hours.
Q4: What is the import duty on bitumen in Sri Lanka?
The current import duty is LKR 2,750 per metric ton, plus PAL of LKR 1,200 per MT and port charges of LKR 850–1,050 per MT. These add approximately LKR 4,200–5,100 per MT to the landed cost.
Q5: Will bitumen prices rise or fall next month in Sri Lanka?
Current indicators suggest flat to slightly bullish pricing, with 1.5–3% upside risk over the next 30 days. Drivers include seasonal Q1 construction demand, LKR weakness, and steady Middle East FOB offers, while Brent retreat below USD 76/bbl could cap gains.
Closing: Calculate Your Exact Bitumen Cost Instantly
Global bitumen markets move daily — and Sri Lankan importers must price to the exact landed cost, not a headline CFR figure. Whether you are a road contractor in Kandy, a roofing manufacturer in Gampaha, or a trading house in Colombo Port, accurate tonnage math decides your margin.
Use the 6Tar cost calculator to enter your grade, incoterm (FOB/CFR/CIF), destination port, currency, and payment terms and receive a real-time landed cost per MT within seconds. The 6Tar calculator covers Colombo, Hambantota, Chennai, Chittagong, Karachi, and 40+ ports, includes live freight rates and duty tables, and flags cost-saving opportunities on packaging, freight consolidation, and payment structure.
👉 Start your calculation now at 6Tar.com and lock in today's bitumen price before the next weekly revision.