SC-2 Cutback Bitumen Price
Last updated: 2026-10-01
SC-2 Cutback Bitumen Price
SC-2 cutback bitumen prices range from $480 to $620 per metric ton FOB as of Q2 2025, depending on the base penetration grade, solvent ratio, and origin. Bulk orders of 5,000+ MT typically land at $495–$540/MT, while spot orders under 500 MT average $570–$620/MT due to drumming and freight premiums. Prices fluctuate ±$15–25/MT per quarter, driven primarily by kerosene (diluate) costs and crude oil benchmarks.
SC-2 is a medium-curing (MC) cutback manufactured by blending penetration-grade bitumen (typically 60/70 or 85/100) with a controlled percentage of kerosene-based solvent. It cures at a moderate rate, making it ideal for prime coats, tack coats, and cold-mix patching in moderate climates. This guide breaks down current pricing, cost drivers, and how to calculate your landed cost per ton.
What Is SC-2 Cutback Bitumen?
SC-2 (also written as SC-2 or SC2) is classified under ASTM D2026 / AASHTO M82 as a medium-curing cutback asphalt. The "2" indicates the second-lowest viscosity grade in the SC series (SC-0 through SC-5), meaning it flows readily at ambient temperatures without heating.
| Property | SC-2 Specification | Test Method |
|---|---|---|
| Kinematic Viscosity @ 60°C | 125–250 cSt | ASTM D2170 |
| Flash Point (TOC) | Min. 38°C | ASTM D1310 |
| Distillation – to 360°C | 55–70% | ASTM D402 |
| Penetration @ 25°C (residue) | 80–120 dmm | ASTM D5 |
| Solubility in TCE | Min. 99% | ASTM D2042 |
| Water Content | Max. 0.5% | ASTM D95 |
Key distinction: SC-2 uses kerosene as the cutter stock, while RC (rapid-curing) grades use naphtha/gasoline and MC-30/MC-70 use lower-boiling solvents. The kerosene fraction is what gives SC-2 its slower cure time (typically 2–6 hours for surface set, 24–72 hours for full cure) compared to rapid-curing grades.
Common applications:
- Prime coat on granular bases (application rate: 0.5–1.5 L/m²)
- Tack coat between asphalt layers (0.2–0.5 L/m²)
- Cold-mix patching and stockpile mixes
- Dust palliative on low-volume roads
SC-2 Cutback Bitumen Price Table (Q2 2025)
The table below reflects FOB prices at major export hubs for bulk breakbulk or flexitank shipments. Prices are in USD per metric ton and exclude freight, insurance, and import duties.
| Origin / Port | Grade Base | Packaging | Price (USD/MT FOB) | MOQ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iran (Bandar Abbas) | 60/70 + kerosene | Bulk / Flexitank | $480–$510 | 100 MT |
| UAE (Jebel Ali) | 60/70 + kerosene | Drum / Flexitank | $520–$555 | 50 MT |
| Singapore | 60/70 + kerosene | Bulk ISO tank | $560–$590 | 200 MT |
| South Korea (Ulsan) | 85/100 + kerosene | Drum / Bulk | $575–$610 | 100 MT |
| India (Mundra) | 60/70 + kerosene | Drum / Flexitank | $530–$565 | 50 MT |
| Local US distributor | Varies | Drum (200L) | $600–$680 | 5 MT |
Notes:
- Drummed material adds $40–$70/MT versus bulk due to steel drum costs (~$12–$18 per 200L drum) and extra handling.
- Flexitank adds $15–$30/MT versus ISO tank but allows smaller shipment sizes (20–24 MT per flexitank).
- CIF prices typically add $35–$90/MT depending on destination and shipping lane.
What Drives SC-2 Cutback Price?
The penetration-grade bitumen component accounts for the majority of SC-2's cost. As of Q2 2025:
| Benchmark | Price | Impact on SC-2 |
|---|---|---|
| Brent Crude | ~$78/bbl | Baseline reference |
| Bitumen 60/70 (FOB Iran) | $420–$450/MT | Primary cost driver |
| Bitumen 60/70 (FOB Singapore) | $480–$510/MT | Premium origin |
When base bitumen moves $20/MT, SC-2 prices shift approximately $13–15/MT (since bitumen is ~65–70% of the blend).
The cutter stock is the most volatile cost component. Kerosene prices track jet fuel and heating oil markets:
| Solvent Type | Typical Ratio in SC-2 | Price Range (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Kerosene (straight-run) | 25–35% | $650–$780/MT |
| Heavy naphtha (alternative) | 20–30% | $620–$740/MT |
A $50/MT rise in kerosene translates to roughly $12–18/MT increase in SC-2 price.
Refineries charge a blending premium of $25–$45/MT for cutback production, covering:
- Heating energy (bitumen must be kept at 120–150°C during blending)
- Tank agitation and circulation
- Quality testing (viscosity, flash point, distillation)
- Yield losses (typically 1–3%)
| Cost Factor | Bulk | Drummed | Flexitank |
|---|---|---|---|
| Packaging cost | $0 | $40–$70/MT | $15–$30/MT |
| Loading cost | $8–$12/MT | $18–$25/MT | $12–$18/MT |
| Ocean freight (Middle East → Asia) | $25–$45/MT | $35–$55/MT | $30–$48/MT |
- Q2–Q3 (construction season): prices rise 5–10% due to peak demand
- Q4–Q1 (off-season): prices soften 3–7%
- Sanctions/export restrictions (e.g., Iran) create $30–$60/MT discounts versus open-market origins
- Currency fluctuations: a 5% USD strengthening typically reduces non-USD origin prices by 2–3%
Price Comparison: SC-2 vs. Other Cutback Grades
Buyers often compare SC-2 against RC-2, MC-30, and MC-70. The table below shows indicative FOB prices (Middle East origin, bulk):
| Grade | Cure Speed | Typical Use | Price (USD/MT FOB) | Difference vs. SC-2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SC-2 | Medium | Prime/tack coat | $480–$510 | Baseline |
| SC-1 | Medium (thinner) | Penetration prime | $490–$520 | +$8–12 |
| SC-3 | Medium (thicker) | Cold mix | $470–$500 | −$8–12 |
| MC-30 | Medium | Prime coat | $475–$505 | −$5–8 |
| MC-70 | Medium | Tack/cold mix | $470–$500 | −$8–12 |
| RC-2 | Rapid | Surface treatment | $510–$545 | +$25–38 |
| Penetration 60/70 | N/A (neat) | Hot mix | $420–$450 | −$55–65 |
Key insight: SC-2 sits in the mid-price band of cutback grades. RC grades command a premium because naphtha costs more than kerosene and rapid-cure products require tighter distillation control.
For contractors pricing by volume, use this conversion (SC-2 density ≈ 0.95–0.98 kg/L at 15°C):
| Unit | Calculation | Example |
|---|---|---|
| USD/MT | Given | $500 |
| USD/kg | $500 ÷ 1,000 | $0.50 |
| USD/L | $0.50 × 0.96 | $0.48 |
| USD/gallon | $0.48 × 3.785 | $1.82 |
At $500/MT, SC-2 costs approximately $0.48 per liter or $1.82 per gallon.
How to Calculate Landed Cost for SC-2
Use this step-by-step formula to estimate your delivered cost per metric ton:
Landed Cost = FOB Price + Freight + Insurance + Duties + Inland Transport + Packaging
| Cost Component | Rate | Total (200 MT) |
|---|---|---|
| FOB price | $535/MT | $107,000 |
| Ocean freight | $38/MT | $7,600 |
| Insurance (0.5% of CIF) | — | $575 |
| Import duty (India, ~7.5%) | — | $8,638 |
| Port handling & clearance | $12/MT | $2,400 |
| Inland transport (150 km) | $18/MT | $3,600 |
| Total landed cost | — | $129,813 |
| Landed cost per MT | — | $649 |
This represents a 21% markup over FOB, which is typical for South Asian imports.
For rough budgeting:
- Middle East → South Asia: add 18–24% to FOB
- Middle East → Africa: add 22–30%
- Asia → Europe: add 12–18%
- Domestic (within origin country): add 6–10%
Market Outlook & Price Forecast (2025–2026)
| Quarter | Forecast SC-2 (USD/MT FOB) | Driver |
|---|---|---|
| Q3 2025 | $495–$525 | Peak construction, stable crude |
| Q4 2025 | $470–$500 | Seasonal slowdown |
| Q1 2026 | $460–$490 | Winter lull, inventory drawdown |
| Q2 2026 | $485–$515 | Demand recovery |
Key watchpoints:
- OPEC+ production decisions — a 1 million bbl/day cut typically adds $8–12/bbl to Brent, translating to $15–22/MT on SC-2
- Iran sanctions enforcement — tighter enforcement could remove 200,000–400,000 MT/month from global supply
- Kerosene crack spreads — currently at $18–22/bbl; a widening to $28+ would add $10–15/MT
- Shipping rates — Red Sea disruptions added $15–25/MT to Asia-Europe lanes in 2024
Procurement tip: Lock in Q3–Q4 2025 volumes during Q2 to capture off-season pricing. A 10,000 MT annual contract typically secures a $12–$18/MT discount versus spot purchases.
FAQ: SC-2 Cutback Bitumen Price
Q1: What is the current price of SC-2 cutback bitumen?
SC-2 cutback bitumen currently trades at $480–$620 per metric ton FOB, depending on origin and packaging. Middle East bulk prices sit at the lower end ($480–$510/MT), while drummed material from Asian or US suppliers ranges from $560–$680/MT. Add 18–25% for CIF landed costs in most import markets.
Q2: Why is SC-2 cheaper than RC-2 cutback bitumen?
SC-2 uses kerosene as its cutter stock, while RC-2 requires naphtha or gasoline, which costs $80–$150/MT more per ton of solvent. This translates to a $25–$38/MT price gap between the two grades. SC-2 also requires less stringent distillation control, reducing refining costs.
Q3: How much does kerosene price affect SC-2 pricing?
Kerosene makes up 25–35% of SC-2's formulation, so a $50/MT rise in kerosene adds roughly $12–$18/MT to SC-2's price. Since kerosene tracks jet fuel and heating oil markets, winter demand spikes can push SC-2 prices up 3–6% in Q4.
Q4: What is the