Bitumen Price in Cairo Egypt
Last updated: 2026-10-01
Bitumen Price in Cairo Egypt
As of Q2 2025, the wholesale bitumen price in Cairo, Egypt ranges between $430 and $520 per metric ton for bulk 60/70 penetration grade (the most common paving grade used in Egyptian road construction). Retail and small-volume buyers in Cairo typically pay $560–$640 per ton including delivery within Greater Cairo. Prices fluctuate based on refinery supply from the Suez and Alexandria corridor, global crude benchmarks, and the EGP/USD exchange rate — which has been the single biggest variable since 2023.
Current Bitumen Price in Cairo: Breakdown by Grade & Volume
| Grade | Bulk Price (USD/ton) | Retail Price (USD/ton) | Common Use in Egypt |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60/70 pen | $430–$490 | $560–$610 | Highway base & wearing courses |
| 40/50 pen | $460–$520 | $590–$640 | Heavy-traffic roads, airports |
| 80/100 pen | $420–$475 | $545–$600 | Cold climates / blended mixes |
| Cutback bitumen (MC-30) | $520–$590 | $650–$720 | Tack coats, prime coats |
| Emulsion (CSS-1h) | $480–$540 | $610–$680 | Surface dressing, maintenance |
> Note on currency: In Egyptian pounds, bulk 60/70 grade landed in Cairo runs approximately EGP 21,000–25,000 per ton at current exchange rates (~49–51 EGP/USD). Local traders often quote in USD to hedge against currency swings.
Key factors driving Cairo prices:
- Crude oil benchmarks — Brent trading at $72–80/bbl keeps bitumen feedstock costs moderate
- Egyptian General Petroleum Corporation (EGPC) allocation volumes and Suez refinery output
- Shipping and port fees at Damietta and Alexandria
- Seasonal demand — peak road-building season (October–April) pushes prices up 5–8%
- Exchange rate volatility — EGP depreciation adds 10–15% to landed costs vs. 2022
Cairo vs. Regional Bitumen Price Comparison (2025)
| City / Region | Bulk 60/70 Price (USD/ton) | Delivery Time to Cairo | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cairo (local supply) | $430–$490 | 1–3 days | Suez + Alexandria refineries |
| Alexandria | $415–$470 | 2–4 days | Largest port, lowest inland cost |
| Suez | $410–$465 | 2–3 days | Refinery-adjacent pricing |
| Gulf (UAE/Saudi) | $395–$450 | 7–12 days | Freight + customs added |
| Europe (Greece/Italy) | $440–$500 | 10–18 days | Premium quality, slower inland |
| Asia (Singapore) | $420–$470 | 20–30 days | High volume, long lead time |
Takeaway: Cairo sits ~5–8% above Alexandria and Suez due to inland transport (EGP 1,200–2,000/ton trucking cost). Importing from the Gulf is only cheaper at volumes above 5,000 tons where freight economies kick in.
How Bitumen Prices in Cairo Are Calculated
Cairo bitumen pricing follows a cost-plus formula, not a fixed retail sticker. Understanding the components helps importers and contractors negotiate.
| Cost Component | Typical Share of Final Price |
|---|---|
| FOB refinery / import price | 65–72% |
| Freight (sea + inland) | 6–10% |
| Customs duty & port fees | 4–7% |
| Storage & handling | 3–5% |
| Trader margin | 8–14% |
| VAT / local taxes | 5–7% |
Formula in practice:
`Cairo Price = (FOB Price × FX Rate) + Freight + Duty + Storage + Margin`
- Customs duty on bitumen imports into Egypt: typically 5–8% depending on HS code classification (2713.20.00)
- VAT in Egypt: 14% on domestic sales, though some industrial buyers claim exemptions
- Storage: Cairo-area tank farms charge $8–$15 per ton per month
- Payment terms: 30% advance / 70% on delivery is standard for first-time buyers; established clients get 30–60 day credit
Price Trends: Cairo Bitumen 2022–2025
| Year | Avg. Bulk Price (USD/ton) | YoY Change | Main Driver |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $380–$420 | — | Post-COVID recovery |
| 2023 | $440–$500 | +14% | EGP devaluation, crude spike |
| 2024 | $450–$510 | +3% | Stable crude, weak EGP |
| 2025 (Q2) | $430–$490 | −4% | Softer crude, higher supply |
Forecast for late 2025: Expect $440–$500/ton bulk in Cairo, with a mild uptick in Q4 as road projects restart post-summer. A 5% EGP depreciation would push prices toward the upper bound.
What buyers should watch:
- Brent crude — every $10/bbl move shifts bitumen by ~$30–40/ton
- EGP/USD rate — a 10% devaluation adds ~$45–55/ton to landed cost
- EGPC announcements — allocation cuts tighten local supply fast
- Suez Canal transit — disruptions add 3–7 days and $15–25/ton
Buying Bitumen in Cairo: Practical Checklist
- Verify grade — 60/70 is standard for highways; confirm penetration and softening point certificates
- Check viscosity & penetration test reports — ASTM D5 / D36 compliance
- Confirm delivery terms — ex-tank Suez vs. delivered Cairo (difference: $20–$35/ton)
- Negotiate volume tiers — 500+ tons unlocks 3–6% discount; 2,000+ tons unlocks 8–12%
- Lock FX — if quoting in EGP, hedge or fix USD rate for the contract term
- Inspect storage — heated tanks (140–160°C) prevent solidification and re-handling costs
- Payment security — use LC for imports; escrow for first domestic transactions
FAQ: Bitumen Price in Cairo
Q1: What is the current bitumen price in Cairo per ton?
As of Q2 2025, bulk 60/70 grade bitumen in Cairo costs $430–$490 per metric ton, while retail buyers pay $560–$640 per ton with delivery. Prices vary by grade, volume, and payment terms.
Q2: Is bitumen cheaper in Alexandria or Cairo?
Alexandria is typically 5–8% cheaper ($415–$470/ton) because it's a port city with direct refinery access. Cairo adds inland trucking of EGP 1,200–2,000 per ton, which explains the price gap.
Q3: How much does 1 ton of bitumen cost in Egyptian pounds?
At current exchange rates (~49–51 EGP/USD), one ton of bulk 60/70 bitumen in Cairo costs approximately EGP 21,000–25,000. Retail pricing runs EGP 27,000–32,000 per ton.
Q4: What factors affect bitumen prices in Cairo the most?
The three biggest drivers are Brent crude prices, the EGP/USD exchange rate, and EGPC supply allocations. Crude moves shift prices by $30–40/ton per $10/bbl change; currency swings add 10–15% during devaluations.
Q5: How long does delivery take for bitumen in Cairo?
Local supply from Suez or Alexandria delivers in 1–4 days. Gulf imports take 7–12 days, and European cargoes 10–18 days. Customs clearance at Alexandria or Damietta adds another 2–5 days for imports.
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