Saudi Aramco Bitumen
Last updated: 2026-10-07
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Saudi Aramco Bitumen: Grades, Prices, and Export Data (2025)
Saudi Aramco bitumen is a premium penetration-grade asphalt cement produced by Saudi Aramco's wholly owned subsidiary, Saudi Bitumen Company (SBC) — formerly known as Asphalt Bitumen Company — at its Riyadh and Jeddah refineries. Aramco bitumen currently trades at $395–$465 per metric ton FOB depending on grade (60/70 or 80/100) and season, with monthly export volumes of approximately 180,000–250,000 MT, of which roughly 35–40% moves to Asia and 30% to Africa. Standard lead time from confirmed order to loading at King Fahd Industrial Port is 14–21 days.
What Is Saudi Aramco Bitumen?
Saudi Aramco bitumen is a refined petroleum product derived from Arab Heavy and Arab Medium crude oil streams processed in Saudi Arabia. It is marketed under the Aramco bitumen brand and sold in penetration grades that comply with ASTM D946 and AASHTO M20 specifications.
Key facts:
- Producer: Saudi Bitumen Company (SBC), a 100% Aramco-owned entity
- Refinery locations: Riyadh (Al-Kharj), Jeddah, and Jubail (export terminals)
- Annual production capacity: ~3.5 million MT across all facilities
- Primary grades: 40/50, 60/70, 80/100, 85/100, and PG 64-22 polymer-modified variants
- Packaging: Bulk (vessels/tankers), new steel drums (150 kg, 180 kg), jumbo bags (1 MT), and bitutainers
- Export terminals: Jeddah Islamic Port, King Fahd Industrial Port (Jubail), and Dammam
- Certifications: ISO 9001:2015, ASTM D946, AASHTO M20, EN 12591
Saudi Aramco bitumen is favored in road construction, waterproofing, and industrial applications because of its low sulfur variability, consistent penetration index, and high flash point (typically 250°C+).
Aramco Bitumen Grades: Specifications and Comparison
The table below compares the three most-exported Aramco bitumen grades. Specifications follow ASTM D946 / AASHTO M20.
| Property | 40/50 | 60/70 | 80/100 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Penetration @ 25°C (0.1 mm) | 40–50 | 60–70 | 80–100 |
| Softening Point (°C) | 52–60 | 49–56 | 45–52 |
| Viscosity @ 135°C (Pa·s) | 0.60–0.75 | 0.40–0.55 | 0.25–0.40 |
| Flash Point (°C, min) | 250 | 250 | 225 |
| Solubility in TCE (%, min) | 99.0 | 99.0 | 99.0 |
| Density @ 25°C (kg/m³) | 1.01–1.06 | 1.01–1.05 | 1.00–1.04 |
| Typical Use | Hot climates, heavy traffic | General paving | Cold climates, spray seal |
| Price Range (USD/MT FOB) | $415–$465 | $400–$450 | $395–$440 |
Grade selection guidance:
- 40/50 — Best for Gulf, North Africa, and South Asia where pavement temperatures exceed 50°C.
- 60/70 — The global workhorse grade, suitable for most Asian, Middle Eastern, and African markets.
- 80/100 — Preferred for cooler climates and emulsion/ cutback manufacturing.
Saudi Aramco Bitumen Price Trends (2023–2025)
Aramco bitumen pricing tracks Brent crude and HSFO (high-sulfur fuel oil) spreads. The table below shows quarterly benchmark prices in USD per metric ton FOB Jeddah (60/70 grade, bulk).
| Quarter | Aramco 60/70 FOB | Brent Avg (USD/bbl) | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q1 2023 | $505 | $82 | — |
| Q3 2023 | $525 | $86 | +4% |
| Q1 2024 | $470 | $79 | -7% |
| Q3 2024 | $445 | $75 | -15% |
| Q1 2025 | $420 | $74 | -11% |
| Q2 2025 (est.) | $405–$435 | $72–$78 | -6% |
Key pricing drivers to monitor:
- Brent crude movement — every $1/bbl change moves bitumen ~$5–7/MT
- HSFO 3.5% crack spreads — narrowing spreads pressure bitumen prices
- Freight rates — Jeddah-to-Nhava Sheva runs $35–55/MT; Jeddah-to-Lagos runs $65–95/MT
- Seasonal demand — Q1 and Q4 peak for Asia; Q2 and Q3 peak for Africa
Logistics, Lead Times, and Export Destinations
Saudi Aramco bitumen exports are concentrated at three ports. Below is a comparison of vessel loading characteristics.
| Terminal | Max Vessel Size | Loading Rate | Avg Lead Time | Primary Destinations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jeddah Islamic Port | 30,000 DWT | 4,000 MT/day | 14–18 days | Africa, South Asia, Europe |
| King Fahd (Jubail) | 50,000 DWT | 6,000 MT/day | 18–21 days | East Asia, Southeast Asia |
| Dammam Port | 20,000 DWT | 3,000 MT/day | 16–20 days | GCC, Iran-adjacent markets |
Top export destinations by volume (2024):
- India — 22% (approx. 480,000 MT/year)
- Egypt — 11% (240,000 MT/year)
- Kenya, Tanzania, Nigeria — 9% combined (~200,000 MT/year)
- Bangladesh, Pakistan — 8% (~175,000 MT/year)
- China, Vietnam, Indonesia — 7% (~150,000 MT/year)
- Others (Turkey, Spain, UAE) — remainder
Documentation required for Aramco bitumen export:
- Commercial Invoice and Packing List
- Bill of Lading (original + 3 copies)
- Certificate of Origin (Saudi Chamber of Commerce)
- SASO / SABER certificate (mandatory for Saudi-origin exports to some markets)
- Mill Test Certificate (grade-specific ASTM compliance)
- MSDS and Insurance Certificate
For most buyers, the realistic order-to-delivery window is 21–35 days depending on destination and whether drum or bulk shipment is used.
Drum vs. Bulk vs. Bitutainer: Which Aramco Bitumen Format Fits Your Project?
Aramco bitumen ships in four formats. The comparison below uses 60/70 grade and typical 2025 pricing.
| Format | Unit Weight | Price Premium vs Bulk | Best For | Handling Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bulk (vessel) | Variable | Base | Major road projects (>5,000 MT) | Lowest |
| New Steel Drum | 150–180 kg | +$60–90/MT | Africa, remote sites | Moderate |
| Bitutainer | 1 MT | +$40–60/MT | Medium projects, easy re-melt | Low |
| Jumbo Bag | 1 MT | +$35–55/MT | Warehousing, small distributors | Low |
Practical guidance:
- Bulk shipments are cheapest per ton but require heated storage tanks and port infrastructure.
- New steel drums dominate African imports because they withstand rough handling and long inland transport.
- Bitutainers have grown ~18% annually since 2022, especially in Bangladesh and Pakistan.
- Jumbo bags work well for local distributors who repackage for small contractors.
Quality Assurance: Why Aramco Bitumen Trades at a Premium
Aramco bitumen typically commands a $10–25/MT premium over comparable Iranian or Iraqi grades. The premium is justified by:
- Consistent feedstock — Arab Heavy crude from a single, stable source
- Refinery technology — modern solvent de-asphalting at Riyadh and Jeddah
- Certification chain — every batch comes with ASTM/ AASHTO test certificates
- Payment and shipping reliability — Aramco's scale reduces default risk
- Low sulfur variance — typically 2.5–3.5% across shipments, easing refinery adjustments
Third-party inspection firms commonly used by buyers include SGS, Intertek, and Bureau Veritas, all of which operate at Jeddah and Jubail terminals.
FAQ: Saudi Aramco Bitumen
Q1: What is the current price of Saudi Aramco bitumen?
As of mid-2025, Aramco 60/70 bitumen trades at $400–$450 per MT FOB Jeddah in bulk, while 80/100 runs $395–$440/MT and 40/50 runs $415–$465/MT. Prices vary by grade, packaging, vessel size, and payment terms. Drummed cargo typically adds $60–90/MT over bulk.
Q2: Which Aramco bitumen grade should I buy for hot climate road construction?
For regions where pavement temperatures exceed 45–50°C — such as Saudi Arabia, UAE, India, and Nigeria — choose 40/50 or 60/70 grade. The 40/50 grade offers higher stiffness and rutting resistance, while 60/70 is the industry-standard compromise for general paving.
Q3: How long does it take to ship Aramco bitumen from Saudi Arabia?
Standard production and loading takes 14–21 days from order confirmation, depending on terminal and grade availability. Ocean transit adds 5–10 days to India, 10–15 days to East Africa, and up to 25 days to West Africa or Europe. Total order-to-delivery is typically 21–35 days.
Q4: Are there any minimum order quantities for Aramco bitumen?
Yes. For bulk vessel shipments, the economic minimum is around 5,000 MT (approximately 3,000 MT for small coasters from Jeddah). For drummed or bitutainer cargo, minimums start at 1 x 20-ft container (~20–25 MT) through authorized traders. Direct Aramco contracts usually require a minimum annual commitment of 50,000+ MT.
Q5: Is Saudi Aramco bitumen better than Iranian or UAE bitumen?
Aramco bitumen generally offers more consistent quality and documentation than Iranian grades and competitive pricing against UAE-sourced material. It typically carries a $10–25/MT premium over Iranian bitumen but the reliability of SASO-certified shipments, established LC terms, and Aramco's logistics scale make it the preferred choice for large infrastructure projects.
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