WHAT IS IT?
Bitumen (called asphalt in North America) is the heaviest fraction from crude oil distillation, remaining as a thick black residue after lighter fractions are removed. It is thermoplastic — solid at room temperature but flows when heated.
GRADES
Penetration Grade: Classified by how far a standard needle penetrates at 25°C (in 0.1mm units)
30/40, 40/50: Hard, used in hot climates
60/70: Most common globally
80/100: Softer, used in colder climates
Viscosity Grade (VG): Indian standard
VG-10, VG-20, VG-30, VG-40
Polymer Modified Bitumen (PMB): Bitumen blended with SBS or EVA polymers for improved durability on high-traffic roads
KEY USES
Road paving and maintenance (70% of global use)
Waterproofing membranes (roofing, tunnels, bridges)
Airport runways
Dam sealing
Industrial coatings
TRADE CORRIDORS
Major exporters: Middle East (Iran, Saudi Arabia), India, South Korea
Major importers: East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania), Southeast Asia
Tetra relevance: Strong corridor from Middle East/India → East Africa. Infrastructure investment driving demand across Tanzania and Kenya.
PRICING
Priced as a discount to crude oil (as a refinery residue). Regional basis: FOB Jebel Ali, FOB Singapore, CFR Mombasa for East Africa trade.
SPECIFICATIONS
Penetration value
Softening point (Ring & Ball method)
Ductility
Flash point (min 220°C)
Solubility in trichloroethylene (>99%)
Specific gravity
PACKAGING & SHIPPING
Bulk liquid in heated tankers, or drummed (180–200kg new steel drums). Requires temperature maintenance during transport (150–180°C for pumping).