【Petroleum Coke Market】Slow Shipment and Weak Price Trend

Slow Shipment and Weak Price Trend in the Petroleum Coke Market

Currently, the main petroleum coke shipments from refineries are stabilizing, with occasional price reductions for low-sulfur coke. The market for locally produced petroleum coke still faces pressure in terms of trading. More produtct infomation of the calcined coke. 

In the North China and Shandong regions, the trading of medium to high sulfur petroleum coke remains stable, with active downstream deliveries and low refinery inventories. Along the Yangtze River region, the shipment of medium sulfur petroleum coke is steady, with downstream demand being met as needed. Wuhan Petrochemical is mainly producing 3#C coke, while Changle Petrochemical is shipping based on 3#C prices. Under China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC), the petroleum coke shipments are doing well in the northeast region with Daqing and Fushun Petrochemicals, while Jinxi Petrochemical has implemented price protection sales for petroleum coke. In the northwest region, the petroleum coke market continues to trade steadily with low inventories. China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) refineries are maintaining stable trading.

Currently, the price of locally produced petroleum coke continues to decline, with a range of 50-120 RMB/ton. Downstream companies are showing weaker purchasing enthusiasm and focusing on demand-based procurement, which is putting pressure on refinery coke prices. Some recent indicators include an increase in sulfur content to 3.8-4.0% for old units at Dongming Petrochemical, and 3.72-4.07% for new units. In Panjin Baolai, the sulfur content has risen to 5.2% for Phase I and 5.4% for Phase II.

Due to the downward price trend of locally produced petroleum coke, import shipments have been generally ordinary, with most orders being fulfilled.

As of May 30th, there are currently 13 conventional maintenance operations on coking units nationwide, resulting in a slight reduction in market supply compared to the previous working day. The daily production of petroleum coke nationwide is 78,830 tons, with a coking operating rate of 65.85%, representing a decrease of 1.25% from the previous working day.

The resumption of aluminum electrolysis and slow progress in new capacity construction have led to primarily demand-driven purchases by downstream carbon companies. The electrode market has poor shipment performance, and companies are determined to maintain prices. The market for negative electrode materials is running weakly but steadily. The demand for carburizers, silicon metal, and silicon carbide is average.

After continuous price increases in the previous period, the petroleum coke market is seeing ordinary shipments with downstream demand-based procurement. It is expected that prices in the local petroleum coke market may continue to decline by 50-100 RMB/ton tomorrow. For more information about the production and sales of Petroleum coke market, welcome to contact us.