【Carburant】Supply Reduction Drives Up 

Graphitized Petroleum Coke Carburant Prices

The mainstream market for graphitized petroleum coke (GPC) carburants in China is on the rise, with a reference price of 4400 yuan/ton (C≥98%, S≤0.05%, particle size: 1-5mm, North China), up by 350 yuan/ton, an increase of 8.64%.The recent continuous upward trend in the price of raw calcined petroleum coke (CPC), coupled with many shutdowns in the negative graphite production and reduction, has led to a reduction in spot market supply. As the Spring Festival approaches, downstream stocking enthusiasm is still active, boosting demand, and the overall market sentiment is pushing prices higher. At present, the mainstream prices for graphitized carburants (C≥98%, S≤0.05%, particle size: 1-5mm) in the domestic market range from 4100 to 4600 yuan/ton; for semi-graphitized carburants (C≥98%, S≤0.3%, particle size: 1-5mm), the mainstream prices range from 3700 to 3900 yuan/ton. 

On the raw material front:

The demand for calcined coke is still strong, and the price of raw petroleum coke continues to rise. With cost support, the overall trend in calcined petroleum coke is mainly pushing higher. Currently, the market reference price for medium-sulfur general cargo (sulfur <3.0%) is 2100 yuan/ton, up by 200 yuan/ton, and for medium-sulfur general cargo (sulfur <3.5%), the market reference price is 1900 yuan/ton, up by 150 yuan/ton.

On the supply side:

Many graphitized petroleum coke carburant enterprises are producing according to normal orders. Due to downstream stocking before the Chinese New Year, the production volume increased last month. However, one enterprise in North China reduced its production slightly due to a lower furnace loading, and some enterprises have temporarily suspended production. The overall spot market supply is relatively limited.

On the demand side:

 In recent days, the weather forecast for the Spring Festival period includes rain and snow in many areas, increasing the enthusiasm of steel mills for pre-holiday stocking, and the demand has improved compared to the previous period.

Future market predictions:

The price of raw calcined petroleum coke is gradually entering a stable phase. Downstream stocking before the Chinese New Year is coming to an end, and the supply side of graphitization enterprises remains stable. Therefore, with no more bullish factors in the short term, it is expected that prices will remain stable during the Spring Festival. The mainstream prices for graphitized carburants (C≥98%, S≤0.05%, particle size: 1-5mm) are expected to range from 4100 to 4600 yuan/ton, and for semi-graphitized carburants (C≥98%, S≤0.3%, particle size: 1-5mm), the mainstream prices are expected to range from 3700 to 3900 yuan/ton. Contact us for more information on the market of graphitized petroleum coke carburant.