MC-30 Cutback Bitumen Price
Last updated: 2026-09-30
MC-30 Cutback Bitumen Price
The MC-30 cutback bitumen price ranges from $430 to $560 per metric ton (FOB) as of Q1 2025, depending on the base penetration grade, solvent ratio, and origin. For a standard 20-ton drummed shipment from the Middle East or Southeast Asia, expect a total landed cost of approximately $10,200–$12,800, with delivery lead times of 10–21 days depending on destination port. Prices fluctuate monthly with crude oil benchmarks and naphtha/solvent costs, typically moving within a ±7% band quarter to quarter.
MC-30 (Medium Curing, Grade 30) is a cutback bitumen produced by blending penetration-grade asphalt with a controlled percentage of kerosene-type solvent. It is engineered for cold application, making it a staple for prime coats, tack coats, and road maintenance in regions where hot-mix equipment is unavailable or uneconomical. Because the price is tied directly to two fluctuating inputs — asphalt cement and solvent — buyers need a clear breakdown to benchmark supplier quotes.
What Determines the MC-30 Cutback Price?
MC-30 pricing is not a single number; it is the sum of raw material, processing, packaging, and logistics components. Understanding each component helps buyers negotiate and validate quotes.
The base asphalt (usually penetration grade 60/70 or 85/100) accounts for roughly 60–70% of the finished product cost. The kerosene-based solvent makes up 15–25%, and the remainder covers blending, testing, packaging, and margin. Solvent content in MC-30 typically runs 25–35% by volume for grades with higher curing speed.
| Cost Component | Share of Total Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Base asphalt (60/70 or 85/100) | 60–70% | Tracks crude oil benchmarks |
| Kerosene/solvent | 15–25% | High volatility, seasonal |
| Blending & lab testing | 4–8% | Viscosity & distillation testing |
| Packaging (drums/bulk) | 3–6% | New steel drums cost more |
| Freight & insurance | 5–12% | Distance and mode dependent |
- Crude oil price: A $10/bbl move in Brent typically shifts MC-30 by $25–$40/ton.
- Solvent (kerosene) availability: Winter heating demand in the Northern Hemisphere can spike solvent costs by 10–18%.
- Origin: Middle East (UAE, Saudi Arabia) and Southeast Asia (Singapore, Malaysia) are the primary export hubs.
- Order volume: Buying 500+ tons in bulk can reduce unit price by $15–$30/ton versus small drummed lots.
- Packaging: Bulk tanker delivery saves 8–12% versus new steel drums.
MC-30 Price Comparison Table (Q1 2025)
The table below compares indicative FOB pricing by region and packaging for MC-30 cutback bitumen. All figures are per metric ton and exclude destination port charges and import duties.
| Origin | Packaging | Price Range (USD/ton, FOB) | Typical MOQ |
|---|---|---|---|
| UAE (Jebel Ali) | New steel drum | $490 – $560 | 20 tons |
| UAE (Jebel Ali) | Bulk (ISO tank/flexitank) | $440 – $500 | 100 tons |
| Saudi Arabia | New steel drum | $480 – $545 | 20 tons |
| Singapore | New steel drum | $505 – $575 | 20 tons |
| Malaysia | Bulk (flexitank) | $455 – $520 | 100 tons |
| India (domestic ex-works) | Drum | ₹38,000 – ₹44,000 (~$455 – $525) | 10 tons |
| Period | Average MC-30 Price (USD/ton FOB) | Change |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 2024 | $470 | — |
| Q2 2024 | $495 | +5.3% |
| Q3 2024 | $515 | +4.0% |
| Q4 2024 | $505 | −1.9% |
| Q1 2025 (est.) | $430 – $560 | ±7% band |
These ranges are indicative and vary with grade, solvent ratio, and negotiated terms. Always request a certified lab report (CoA) matching ASTM D2026 / D2027 specifications before finalizing.
MC-30 vs Other Cutback Grades: Price and Application
Buyers often compare MC-30 against MC-70, MC-250, and RC (rapid curing) grades. The price differences are driven mainly by solvent content and volatility — lighter, faster-curing grades cost more per ton.
| Grade | Solvent Type | Relative Price Index | Primary Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| MC-30 | Medium (kerosene) | 100 (baseline) | Prime coat, tack coat |
| MC-70 | Medium | 96–99 | Prime coat, base stabilization |
| MC-250 | Medium | 90–95 | Prime coat, dusty roads |
| RC-30 | Rapid (naphtha/gasoline) | 108–115 | Surface treatment, spray |
| SC-30 | Slow (diesel/heavy) | 92–97 | Dust laying, stockpile |
Key takeaway: MC-30 sits mid-range in price but is favored for its balance of curing speed, penetration, and adhesion. If your project allows slower curing, MC-70 or MC-250 can cut $20–$40/ton off your budget.
- Prime coat: Typical application rate is 0.5–1.5 L/m², so one ton covers roughly 1,300–2,600 m² depending on surface porosity.
- Tack coat: Application rate is 0.2–0.4 L/m², extending coverage to 4,900–9,800 m² per ton.
- Cold climates: Slower-curing grades may be preferred; faster grades cure in 2–4 hours versus 6–12 hours for MC-30.
How to Reduce Your MC-30 Cutback Price
Smart procurement can reduce landed MC-30 costs by 10–20% without sacrificing quality. Use the following levers:
- Buy in bulk: Flexitank or ISO tank shipments cut per-ton cost by 8–12% versus drummed cargo.
- Time the market: Solvent prices dip in Q2 (post-winter), often making April–June the cheapest buying window.
- Consolidate orders: Combining MC-30 with other bitumen grades in one shipment lowers freight per ton.
- Negotiate Incoterms: FOB vs CIF can swing total cost by 5–9%; compare both.
- Source regionally: Southeast Asian buyers save $20–$40/ton sourcing from Singapore/Malaysia versus the Middle East.
- Verify specifications: Rejecting off-spec material avoids costly rework and re-application, which can add 15–30% to project cost.
| Term | Typical Impact on Price |
|---|---|
| LC at sight | Baseline |
| 30% advance / 70% on BL | +1–2% |
| Open account (30–60 days) | +2–4% |
| Spot purchase | Baseline |
| Annual contract (1,000+ tons) | −4–7% |
Logistics: Freight, Lead Time, and Total Landed Cost
Freight is a major variable. A 20-ton drummed shipment from Jebel Ali to a Southeast Asian port typically costs $600–$1,200 in ocean freight, while bulk flexitank shipments of 100+ tons can achieve $25–$45/ton in freight cost.
| Route | Mode | Freight per Ton (Est.) | Lead Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jebel Ali → Singapore | Drum, 20 ft | $40 – $60 | 12–18 days |
| Jebel Ali → Mumbai | Drum, 20 ft | $30 – $45 | 5–9 days |
| Singapore → Jakarta | Flexitank | $25 – $40 | 4–7 days |
| Houston → Lagos | Drum, 20 ft | $70 – $110 | 25–35 days |
| Rotterdam → West Africa | Bulk | $55 – $90 | 18–28 days |
Total landed cost = FOB price + freight + insurance + port charges + import duty + inland transport. For a typical 20-ton drummed order at $520/ton FOB, expect total landed cost of $11,500–$13,200 depending on destination.
- Certificate of Analysis (CoA) — viscosity, distillation, penetration
- MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet)
- Bill of Lading (B/L)
- Certificate of Origin
- Packing list with drum/tank numbers
- Pre-shipment inspection certificate (if required)
5 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is the current MC-30 cutback bitumen price per ton?
As of Q1 2025, MC-30 typically sells for $430–$560 per metric ton FOB, depending on origin, packaging, and solvent content. Bulk flexitank orders from the Middle East are at the lower end, while drummed Southeast Asian cargo sits at the higher end.
Q2: What is the difference between MC-30 and MC-70 cutback bitumen?
MC-30 cures faster and has lower viscosity than MC-70, making it better for prime and tack coats in moderate climates. MC-70 is thicker, cheaper by $15–$30/ton, and suited for base stabilization and dustier surfaces.
Q3: How many square meters does one ton of MC-30 cover?
At a typical prime coat rate of 0.5–1.5 L/m², one ton covers approximately 1,300–2,600 m². For tack coat at 0.2–0.4 L/m², coverage rises to 4,900–9,800 m² per ton.
Q4: How long does MC-30 take to cure?
MC-30 typically cures in 2–6 hours in warm, dry conditions and up to 12 hours in cooler, humid environments. Cure time depends on solvent evaporation rate, ambient temperature, and application thickness.
Q5: What is the minimum order quantity for MC-30 cutback bitumen?
Standard MOQ for drummed MC-30 is 20 tons (one 20-ft container), while bulk flexitank or ISO tank orders usually start at 100 tons. Smaller trial orders of 5–10 tons are sometimes available at a 5–10% price premium.
Calculate Your Exact MC-30 Cost with 6Tar
Estimating MC-30 cutback bitumen price by hand is error-prone — solvent ratios, freight, packaging, and duties all shift the final number. Use the 6Tar cost calculator to enter your tonnage, origin, destination, and packaging preference, and get a real-time landed cost estimate within seconds. Accurate numbers up front mean fewer surprises at the port and tighter project budgets.
- Input: tonnage, origin port, destination, packaging
- Output: FOB price, freight, insurance, duties, total landed cost
- Updated with current market benchmarks
Start your MC-30 quote with 6Tar today and lock in the best price for your next road project.