Qilu Petrochemical Bitumen Quality
Last updated: 2026-10-06
Qilu Petrochemical Bitumen Quality: Specifications, Grades & Export Data
Qilu Petrochemical (SINOPEC Qilu) produces penetration-grade bitumen in 60/70, 80/100, and 30/40 grades at its refinery in Zibo, Shandong, with typical penetration values held within ±4 dmm of the target midpoint and softening points ranging from 45°C to 55°C. Annual bitumen output capacity at the Qilu complex exceeds 1.2 million metric tons, with export volumes to Southeast Asia and Africa averaging 25,000–35,000 MT per month in 2024. Bulk FOB Qingdao pricing for Qilu 60/70 bitumen has ranged between USD 430–520 per MT depending on crude feedstock spreads and freight conditions.
What Makes Qilu Bitumen Different from Other Chinese Refineries?
Qilu Petrochemical is one of SINOPEC's flagship coastal refineries, processing blended Middle Eastern crude (primarily Saudi Arab Medium and Kuwait Export blends) through a dedicated vacuum distillation and propane de-asphalting train. This feedstock consistency is the core reason Qilu bitumen shows lower batch-to-batch variability than bitumen from inland refineries using domestic Shengli or Karamay crude.
Key differentiators:
- Feedstock stability: Long-term crude supply contracts (Saudi Aramco, KPC) reduce the asphaltene fluctuation that causes penetration drift.
- Coastal logistics: Zibo is ~260 km from Qingdao Port, enabling 3,000–5,000 MT bulk vessel and ISO tank loading within 5–7 days of order confirmation.
- SINOPEC brand certification: Every batch ships with a Certificate of Analysis (COA) traceable to the refinery batch number.
- Consistent maltene/asphaltene ratio: Typically 82:18, which correlates with better aging resistance in hot climates.
For buyers comparing Chinese suppliers, the practical difference is risk. Qilu product carries a documented spec history; smaller "blender" suppliers often blend Qilu or Jingbo material with flux oil and resell under a generic grade name.
Qilu Bitumen Specifications: Grade-by-Grade Data
The table below shows typical COA values for the three export grades most commonly quoted from Qilu. These are averages compiled from refinery COAs (2023–2024 shipments), not single-batch values.
| Parameter | Test Method | Qilu 60/70 | Qilu 80/100 | Qilu 30/40 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Penetration @25°C (0.1mm) | ASTM D5 | 60–70 | 80–100 | 30–40 |
| Softening Point (°C) | ASTM D36 | 49–55 | 45–50 | 55–62 |
| Ductility @25°C (cm) | ASTM D113 | >100 | >100 | >80 |
| Flash Point (°C, min) | ASTM D92 | 250 | 240 | 260 |
| Solubility in TCE (%) | ASTM D2042 | 99.5 | 99.5 | 99.0 |
| Density @25°C (g/cm³) | ASTM D70 | 1.01–1.05 | 1.01–1.05 | 1.02–1.06 |
| Loss on Heating (%) | ASTM D6 | ≤0.2 | ≤0.5 | ≤0.2 |
| Penetration after TFOT (%) | ASTM D5/D1754 | ≥55 | ≥52 | ≥58 |
Practical note for procurement teams: Qilu 60/70 is the highest-volume export grade and the default for asphalt concrete in tropical markets (Vietnam, Philippines, Indonesia, Nigeria). Qilu 80/100 suits colder-climate paving and cutback manufacturing. Qilu 30/40 is a lower-volume specialty grade used for airfield pavements and high-modulus base layers.
Qilu vs. Competing Bitumen Sources: Comparison Table
Buyers frequently evaluate Qilu against Jingbo Petrochemical (also Shandong), Iran's Pasargad/ Jey Oil grades, and South Korean refiners (SK, S-Oil). The comparison below uses 60/70 penetration grade as the benchmark.
| Criterion | Qilu (SINOPEC) | Jingbo | Iranian 60/70 | Korean 60/70 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Penetration consistency (±dmm) | ±4 | ±6 | ±8 | ±3 |
| Typical FOB price (USD/MT) | 450–520 | 440–500 | 420–480 | 480–540 |
| Port of loading | Qingdao | Dongying/Binzhou | Bandar Abbas | Ulsan/Onsan |
| Payment terms flexibility | LC at sight, TT | LC, TT, some DA | LC, TT (sanctions friction) | LC, TT |
| Documentation for re-export | Strong | Moderate | Weak (sanctions/insurance) | Strong |
| Delivery to SE Asia (days) | 7–12 | 7–12 | 12–20 | 6–10 |
| Quality dispute frequency | Low | Low–moderate | Moderate | Low |
The price gap between Qilu and Iranian material (~USD 30–40/MT) is often erased by insurance surcharges, vessel availability problems, and payment routing friction. For buyers who need financing, Qilu's acceptance of LC at sight through major Chinese banks (Bank of China, ICBC) is a decisive operational advantage.
Price Drivers and Export Logistics for Qilu Bitumen
Qilu bitumen pricing is not set in isolation. It moves with three variables:
1. Crude feedstock spread — Arab Medium vs. Brent. A USD 5/bbl move in the spread historically translates to USD 15–25/MT in bitumen FOB price within 3–4 weeks.
2. Domestic Chinese demand season — Road construction peaks March–June and September–November. Export allocations tighten in peak domestic months, and lead times stretch from 5 days to 12–15 days.
3. Freight rates to destination — Qingdao to Ho Chi Minh City runs USD 35–55/MT; Qingdao to Lagos USD 70–110/MT depending on vessel size (3,000–10,000 MT parcels).
Logistics snapshot:
- Packaging options: bulk vessel, flexitank (24 MT), ISO tank (20–24 MT), 150 kg steel drums, 1 MT jumbo bags (for solid/crumb form).
- Loading rate at Qingdao: 1,500–2,500 MT/day for bulk bitumen vessels.
- Documentation turnaround: COA, packing list, commercial invoice, Bill of Lading, and Certificate of Origin (Form E for ASEAN, Form B for others) issued within 48–72 hours post-loading.
- Typical minimum order: 500 MT for drummed cargo, 1,000 MT for flexitank consolidation, 3,000 MT for bulk vessel parcel.
For buyers modeling landed cost, the calculation must include FOB price + freight + insurance + import duty + port charges + inland transport. This is where a structured cost tool saves time and prevents margin errors.
How to Verify Qilu Bitumen Quality Before Shipment
Third-party verification is standard practice for any Qilu purchase above 500 MT. The verification chain should include:
- Pre-shipment sampling at the Zibo loading terminal by SGS, Bureau Veritas, or Intertek.
- Independent lab testing against ASTM D5 (penetration), D36 (softening point), D113 (ductility), and D92 (flash point).
- Batch traceability check — the COA batch number should match the refinery production record.
- Seal verification on ISO tanks and flexitanks before vessel departure.
Skipping third-party inspection to save USD 1,500–3,000 per shipment is the single most common cause of quality disputes in Chinese bitumen trade. Refinery COAs are reliable at Qilu, but independent verification protects the buyer if a cargo is transshipped or blended en route.
Red flags to watch:
- Price quoted more than USD 60/MT below prevailing Qilu FOB levels.
- Seller refuses batch-specific COA or third-party inspection access.
- "Qilu grade" language without SINOPEC letterhead or refinery batch number.
- Payment demanded 100% TT advance to a non-refinery trading entity.
FAQ: Qilu Petrochemical Bitumen
What is the penetration range of Qilu 60/70 bitumen?
Qilu 60/70 bitumen typically tests between 60 and 70 dmm at 25°C per ASTM D5, with most batches landing in the 63–68 dmm band. The softening point averages 49–55°C, giving it good rutting resistance for hot-climate paving.
How much does Qilu bitumen cost per ton in 2024?
Bulk FOB Qingdao pricing for Qilu 60/70 has ranged from USD 430 to USD 520 per MT in 2024, depending on crude spreads and season. Drummed cargo typically carries a USD 40–70/MT premium over bulk for packaging and handling.
What is the minimum order quantity for Qilu bitumen export?
The practical minimum is 500 MT for drummed cargo and 1,000 MT for flexitank shipments. Bulk vessel parcels usually start at 3,000 MT, though smaller 1,500 MT part-cargoes are sometimes available on shared vessels.
How long does shipping take from Qingdao to Southeast Asia?
Transit from Qingdao to Ho Chi Minh City or Manila runs 7–12 days, while Jakarta and Port Klang take 10–14 days. Add 5–7 days for order confirmation, inspection, and loading before the vessel departs.
Is Qilu bitumen better than Iranian bitumen?
Qilu bitumen offers tighter penetration consistency (±4 dmm vs. ±8 dmm) and cleaner documentation, which matters for re-export and project compliance. Iranian grades can be USD 30–40/MT cheaper on paper, but insurance and payment friction often erases that advantage.
Calculate Your Qilu Bitumen Landed Cost in Minutes
Before you commit to a 3,000 MT Qilu parcel, model the full landed cost — FOB, freight, insurance, duty, port handling, and inland delivery. Small errors in any line item can wipe out your margin on a single shipment.
Use the 6Tar cost calculator to build a complete landed-cost estimate for Qilu bitumen from any Chinese port to your destination. Enter your grade, volume, and route, and get a line-by-line breakdown you can share directly with your procurement team.