【Low-Sulfur Petroleum Coke】May Rise Slightly

Calcined petroleum coke, with its high carbon content, low sulfur, and low impurities, plays a vital role in modern manufacturing, especially in the aluminum and steel industries.

【Low-Sulfur Petroleum Coke】May Rise Slightly

Petroleum Coke Market Analysis – April 28

Based on today's (April 28) petroleum coke price data, the overall market shows a pattern of "stable average price with localized divergence," with East China becoming the main focal point of price fluctuations.

I. Overall Market Overview

Weighted average price: RMB 2,863/ton, down by only RMB 1/ton compared to the previous day, a decline of 0.0%, indicating the overall market remains stable.

Clear price differentiation: Significant differences are observed in price trends across regions and specifications, with East China showing the most notable volatility.

II. Regional Price Analysis

1. Northeast, North China, Central China, and South China Markets: Overall Stable

Northeast market:

Price of 1# petroleum coke remains stable at RMB 4,971/ton, with no change; no quotation available for 4B specification.

North China market:

Prices of 4A (RMB 3,600/ton) and 5# (RMB 1,880/ton) remain unchanged, with relatively balanced supply and demand.

Central China market:

Prices of 3B (RMB 4,294/ton) and 3C (RMB 4,047/ton) remain flat, with transactions mainly driven by rigid demand.

South China market:

Price of 4B specification remains stable at RMB 2,665/ton, with no significant changes.

2. East China Market: Significant Volatility and Clear Differentiation

East China is the core region for today's price movements, with different specifications showing completely divergent trends:

III. Key Conclusions and Market Outlook

1. Strong overall market resilience:

Despite fluctuations in certain specifications, the weighted average price remains largely unchanged, indicating that the overall supply-demand structure has not fundamentally shifted, and prices remain primarily stable.

2. Significant volatility in East China 3C specification:

The East China 3C petroleum coke price surged by 9.5% in a single day, likely driven by short-term factors such as reduced local supply and concentrated downstream procurement. Continued monitoring is needed to assess sustainability.

3. Downward pressure on 3A specification:

The 2.3% decline in East China 3A prices reflects supply pressure or weakening demand, signaling a risk of further price decreases.

4. Differentiation between low-sulfur and high-sulfur coke:

High-grade products (e.g., Northeast 1#, East China 2A) remain firm or show slight increases, while lower-grade products (e.g., East China 4A) show slight weakness, indicating weaker downstream demand for high-sulfur coke, while low-sulfur coke remains supported.

Overall, the petroleum coke market remains stable today, with sharp fluctuations in certain specifications mainly driven by short-term factors rather than forming a sustained trend. Going forward, close attention should be paid to downstream aluminum smelter operating rates, refinery maintenance schedules, and port inventory levels, as these factors will play a critical role in influencing petroleum coke price trends.

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