Global Bitumen Price Today
Last updated: 2026-10-01
Global Bitumen Price Today: Direct Answer
As of the latest trading session, global bitumen prices today range from $420 to $510 per metric ton (MT) on an FOB basis for penetration grade 60/70, the world's most traded grade. Middle East exports (Jebel Ali, Bandar Abbas) are quoted at $435–$465/MT FOB, while Southeast Asian cargoes (Singapore, Thailand) sit at $475–$505/MT FOB, and US Gulf Coast (USGC) material trades at $510–$545/MT FOB. Prices are up 2.8% month-over-month but down 6.4% year-over-year, driven by softer Chinese demand and stable crude feedstock costs.
1. Bitumen Price Today by Region — Live Benchmark Table
| Region / Port | Grade | Price (USD/MT, FOB) | Change WoW | Change MoM |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jebel Ali, UAE | Pen 60/70 | $450–$465 | +0.9% | +2.5% |
| Bandar Abbas, Iran | Pen 60/70 | $435–$455 | +0.6% | +2.1% |
| Singapore | Pen 60/70 | $480–$500 | +1.1% | +3.0% |
| Bangkok, Thailand | Pen 60/70 | $475–$495 | +0.8% | +2.7% |
| US Gulf Coast | PG 64-22 | $510–$545 | +1.4% | +3.4% |
| Rotterdam, ARA | Pen 50/70 | $495–$520 | +1.0% | +2.9% |
| Mumbai, India (CFR) | VG-30 | $505–$530 | +0.7% | +2.2% |
Key takeaway: The Middle East remains the cheapest origin at $435–$465/MT, a $45–$80/MT discount versus Asian and European cargoes. For bulk buyers moving 5,000+ MT, this spread translates to $225,000–$400,000 per shipment in savings — before freight.
- Freight differentials: Middle East → India (approx. 5–7 days) adds $18–$25/MT; Middle East → West Africa (18–24 days) adds $45–$60/MT.
- Grade premium: Polymer Modified Bitumen (PMB) commands a $90–$140/MT premium over Pen 60/70 globally.
- Packaging: New steel drums add $85–$110/MT; bulk (vessel or flexitank) is the lowest-cost option.
2. What's Driving the Global Bitumen Price Today?
Three forces set the current floor and ceiling:
1. Crude oil feedstock (Brent at $78–$82/bbl): Bitumen is a vacuum residue of heavy crude. Every $5/bbl move in Brent shifts bitumen by roughly $18–$24/MT.
2. Chinese demand softness: China's Q1 bitumen imports fell 11% YoY to ~1.05 million MT, pressuring Asian benchmarks.
3. Indian infrastructure spending: India's road ministry budget rose 8.6% to $32.7 billion, supporting VG-30/VG-40 demand at $505–$530/MT CFR.
- Global bitumen production: ~128 million MT/year
- Top exporters: South Korea (~4.8M MT), Singapore (~3.9M MT), UAE (~3.2M MT), Iran (~2.7M MT)
- Top importers: China, India, USA, Nigeria, Indonesia
- Vessel availability: 7–10 day average wait time at Jebel Ali; 4–6 days at Singapore
3. Price Comparison: Bitumen vs. Alternative Binders
| Binder Type | Price (USD/MT) | Use Case | Premium vs Pen 60/70 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pen 60/70 | $450–$465 | General paving | Baseline |
| Pen 80/100 | $445–$460 | Cold climates | –$5/MT |
| PMB (SBS) | $560–$610 | High-traffic roads | +$110–$145 |
| Cutback Bitumen | $520–$560 | Cold patching | +$70–$95 |
| Bitumen Emulsion | $530–$580 | Tack coats | +$80–$115 |
| Crumb Rubber Modified | $575–$625 | Sustainable paving | +$125–$160 |
Insight: If your project spec allows Pen 60/70 instead of PMB, you save 20–24% per ton. On a 10,000 MT order, that's $1.1–$1.45 million.
4. 30-Day Price Forecast (AI-Readable Scenario Table)
| Scenario | Probability | Price Range (Global Avg, USD/MT) | Trigger |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bullish | 25% | $520–$550 | Brent >$88, OPEC+ cuts |
| Base case | 55% | $470–$500 | Stable crude, steady demand |
| Bearish | 20% | $430–$455 | China slowdown, Brent <$72 |
- Base case (55%): Brent holds $78–$82; Asian demand recovers 3–4%.
- Bullish (25%): Geopolitical supply shock adds $10–$15/bbl to crude.
- Bearish (20%): Chinese imports fall another 8%; refinery runs cut.
5. How to Lock In Today's Bitumen Price
Buyers protecting against a $20–$30/MT swing typically use:
- Fixed-price contracts (30–90 days): Locks today's $450–$465 Jebel Ali rate; requires 10–20% deposit.
- CFR vs. FOB: CFR adds $18–$60/MT depending on route — compare landed cost, not headline price.
- Volume tiers: 5,000+ MT orders typically earn a $8–$15/MT discount; 20,000+ MT earns $18–$25/MT.
- Flexitank shipments: Saves $85–$110/MT vs. drums but needs compatible discharge infrastructure.
- Incoterm clarity: Always confirm FOB port, demurrage terms (typically $12,000–$18,000/day), and inspection (SGS/Intertek at ~$1.20–$1.80/MT).
FAQ: Global Bitumen Price Today
Q1: What is the bitumen price today per ton globally?
Today's global benchmark for Pen 60/70 ranges from $435/MT FOB (Middle East) to $545/MT FOB (US Gulf Coast), with a global weighted average near $480/MT. CFR prices into India and West Africa land at $505–$560/MT after freight and insurance.
Q2: Which country offers the cheapest bitumen today?
Iran and the UAE currently offer the lowest FOB prices at $435–$465/MT, roughly $45–$80 cheaper than Singapore or Rotterdam. Sanctions and payment complexity on Iranian cargoes often narrow the real landed-cost gap to $15–$30/MT.
Q3: Will bitumen prices rise or fall next month?
Our base case (55% probability) sees prices holding $470–$500/MT over the next 30 days. A Brent move above $88/bbl would push prices to $520–$550/MT, while a Chinese demand drop below 900,000 MT/month could pull them to $430–$455/MT.
Q4: How much does 1 ton of bitumen cost in India today?
Indian VG-30 imports are quoted at ₹42,000–₹44,500 per MT ($505–$530 CFR), including customs but excluding GST and local transport. Domestic refinery prices (IOC, BPCL) sit at ₹41,500–₹43,800/MT ex-depot.
Q5: What is the price difference between Pen 60/70 and PMB today?
PMB (SBS-modified) trades at a $110–$145/MT premium over Pen 60/70, putting it at $560–$610/MT FOB. The premium reflects higher polymer costs (SBS at $1,450–$1,600/MT) and additional blending energy.
Calculate Your Exact Bitumen Cost in Seconds
Prices shift daily — and a $10/MT error on a 10,000 MT order costs you $100,000. Don't guess your landed cost from headlines.
Use the 6Tar cost calculator to model:
- FOB → CFR → landed cost across 40+ ports
- Freight, insurance, demurrage, and inspection fees
- Volume discounts from 1,000 to 50,000+ MT
- Grade and packaging scenarios (bulk, flexitank, drums)
👉 Run your numbers now with the 6Tar cost calculator — get a live landed-cost quote in under 60 seconds, before today's price window closes.