Riga, 21 October (Argus) — Road bitumen (BND) batches produced by the Pavlodar refinery became more expensive in October compared to September. Prices increased due to the intensification of road construction work ahead of the end of the season, as well as due to the rising cost and unstable shipments of Russian bitumen.
In October, stable demand for BND remains in the domestic market, an industry source reported. Total bitumen production in Kazakhstan in October may decrease to 122,000 t from 131,800 t in September, according to market participants.
In the current month, many processors expect to sell bitumen produced by Pavlodar at prices recommended by the ministry of energy. BND prices in Kazakhstan are not regulated by legislation. Suppliers of bitumen produced by the Pavlodar refinery intend to sell large October batches within the shipment schedule provided by the state-owned company Kazavtozhol, market participants reported.
________________
More price information and analytical materials on the oil and oil product markets of the Caspian region and Central Asia are in the weekly report “Argus Caspian Market”.
