Menu
Menu
United States
China
India
Australia
United Arab Emirates
Mexico
Japan
BrazilMoving into Q1 2025, the Petroleum Coke market showed signs of recovery in the USA, driven by a resurgence in industrial demand and renewed consumption from the power and cement industries. In FOB Houston Non-Calcined Petroleum Coke (4.5% Sulphur) prices rose significantly to $78 USD/MT, marking an increase of 30.33% from Q4 2024. Similarly, Non-Calcined Petroleum Coke (6.5% Sulphur) prices surged to $73.67 USD/MT, up by 34.19% from Q4. This recovery was supported by stronger market sentiment and increased procurement ahead of anticipated supply fluctuations. In China, Calcined Petroleum Coke prices continued their upward trend, reaching $340 USD/MT, an increase of 4.29% from Q4 2024, driven by robust demand from the aluminium and steel sectors, as well as stable production rates.
In Q4 2024, the Petroleum Coke market in the USA saw a more pronounced decline in prices. In FOB Houston Non-Calcined Petroleum Coke (4.5% Sulphur) reported at $59.85 USD/MT, marking a substantial decrease of -15.18% from Q3. The Non-Calcined Petroleum Coke (6.5% Sulphur) was priced at $54.90 USD/MT, showing a significant decrease of -16.17% from Q3. This trend was driven by a downturn in industrial activities and seasonal fluctuations impacting demand. On the other hand, the Chinese market saw a rebound in Calcined Petroleum Coke prices, which rose to $326 USD/MT, an increase of 12.73% from Q3. This price rise in China was primarily due to higher demand from the aluminium industry and improved downstream activities, boosting the market sentiment.
In Q3 2024, the Petroleum Coke market in the USA showed a continued trend of stabilization. In FOB Houston, Non-Calcined Petroleum Coke (4.5% Sulphur) was priced at $70.56 USD/MT, registering a decrease of -4.30% from Q2. Similarly, Non-Calcined Petroleum Coke (6.5% Sulphur) prices slightly decreased to $65.49 USD/MT, down by -2.30% from Q2. This decline was influenced by continued moderate demand from industrial sectors, including cement and power generation, while an abundant supply kept the market balanced. Meanwhile, in China, Calcined Petroleum Coke prices dropped to $317.33 USD/MT, reflecting a decrease of -5.84% from Q2. This decline in China was driven by a cautious purchasing approach from downstream industries and a preference for securing cheaper alternatives.
In Q2 2024, the Petroleum Coke market continued to show a stabilized trend, particularly in the USA and China. In the USA, FOB Houston prices for Non-Calcined Petroleum Coke (4.5% Sulphur) fell to $73.73 USD/MT, marking a significant decrease of -23.01% from Q1. The Non-Calcined Petroleum Coke (6.5% Sulphur) prices remained relatively stable at $66.84 USD/MT, witnessing a minor decrease of -3.06% from Q1. This decline in the USA was driven by a combination of lower domestic demand and continued supply chain stability, leading to consistent availability in the market. In China, Calcined Petroleum Coke prices reported at $337 USD/MT reflected a slight decrease of -0.79% from Q1. The Chinese market remained stable as local demand stayed moderate, balancing out the available supply.
In Q1 2024, the global Petroleum Coke (Pet coke) market experienced a stabilized trend driven by multiple factors, particularly in major regions like the USA, China, and India. In the FOB Houston, prices for Non-Calcined Petroleum Coke (4.5% Sulphur) reported at $95.76 USD/MT, showing a slight decrease of -3.79% from the previous quarter. Meanwhile, Non-Calcined Petroleum Coke (6.5% Sulphur) prices stood at $66.84 USD/MT, experiencing a more significant decrease of -25.90% from the previous quarter. The decline in prices in the USA can be attributed to abundant supply and lower demand from key industrial sectors. Additionally, the reduced consumption from the power and cement industries added pressure on the market. In China, Calcined Petroleum Coke prices were recorded at $339.67 USD/MT, showing a stabilized trend with a slight decrease of -2.49% from the previous quarter. The Chinese market saw this decline mainly due to slowing industrial output and a temporary dip in demand from the aluminium and steel sectors.
Moving into Q1 2025, Pet coke prices in India saw a modest recovery, reaching $152/MT in Ex-Jamnagar, though still reflecting a 17.83% decline compared to Q4. The price improvement was supported by increased seasonal demand from the cement and power generation sectors, which typically pick up after the winter lull. Refineries operated at consistent capacity, but lower inventory levels from the previous quarter helped stabilize the market. Export inquiries also slightly picked up, lending some support to domestic sentiment, though buyers remained cautious amid ongoing volatility in global energy and freight markets.
In Q4 2024, the market witnessed a particular correction, with Pet coke prices falling sharply to $129/MT in Ex-Jamnagar, reflecting a 14.00% decline from Q3. Although the festive season usually drives up consumption in sectors like steel and construction, the recovery demand was weaker than expected. Decreasing in the products present in the market, limited exports, and a lag in infrastructure activity post-monsoon contributed to the downward price trend. Additionally, subdued global energy prices and continued imports of fuel-grade Pet coke added further downward pressure on the domestic market.
By Q3 2024, Pet coke prices in India further stabilized, dropping to $150/MT in Ex-Jamnagar, marking a 2.60% decline from Q2. The monsoon season typically slows construction and infrastructure projects, directly affecting demand from the cement industry — one of the major consumers of Pet coke. Moreover, consistent domestic production from Indian refiners and availability of imported cargoes led to an abundant supply in the market. Buyers exercised caution in procurement, anticipating further price adjustments post-monsoon, keeping the trading volume moderate.
In Q2 2024, Pet coke prices in India continued a downward path, averaging $154/MT in Ex- Jamnagar, showing a 2.53% decline from Q1. This was largely driven by reduced procurement from large-scale industrial users who shifted temporarily toward alternative fuels due to cost-efficiency strategies. Furthermore, the influx of high sulfur imported Pet coke from the US and Middle East added pressure to local prices. Increased availability of domestic Pet coke, along with stable output from key refining hubs like Jamnagar, kept the market well-supplied, allowing buyers to negotiate lower rates.
In Q1 2024, the Indian Petroleum Coke (Pet coke) market witnessed a slight stabilization in prices, with values reported at $158/MT in Ex-Jamnagar, reflecting a 1.86% decline from the previous quarter. The dip was mainly due to lower demand from cement and power generation sectors, which were impacted by seasonal slowdown in infrastructure activity. Additionally, consistent domestic refinery output and subdued import activity kept supply levels adequate, preventing any upward movement in prices. On the global front, limited fluctuations in crude oil and refining margins kept international Pet coke sentiment neutral, which also contributed to the softened pricing in India.
PriceWatch is your trusted resource for tracking global petroleum coke price trends. Our platform delivers real-time data and expert analysis, offering deep insights into the key factors driving price fluctuations in the petroleum coke market. By monitoring critical events such as geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions, and economic shifts, PriceWatch keeps you fully informed of market dynamics.
In addition, PriceWatch provides detailed forecasts and updates on production capacities, enabling you to anticipate market changes and make well-informed decisions. With PriceWatch, you gain a competitive edge in understanding all the elements that influence petroleum coke prices worldwide. Stay ahead of the curve with PriceWatch’s reliable, accurate, and timely petroleum coke market data.
Track PriceWatch's petroleum coke price assessment on a weekly basis since 2015 onwards, along with short-term forecasts, and get access to the detailed report in a downloadable format.
These events highlight the Petroleum Coke market’s sensitivity to global economic conditions, geopolitical developments, and supply-demand dynamics. Continuous monitoring of these factors is essential for stakeholders to navigate the market effectively
This research methodology ensures that PriceWatch delivers the most accurate, timely, and actionable Petroleum Coke pricing assessments, helping our clients stay ahead of market trends and make informed business decisions.
Molecular Weight[g/mol]
CAS No
HS Code
Molecular Formula
Petroleum Coke is a carbon-rich solid derived from crude oil refining, available in Non-Calcined and Calcined forms. Non-Calcined Petroleum Coke is used as fuel in cement and power industries due to its high calorific value. Calcined Petroleum Coke undergoes further processing to remove moisture and volatile matter, making it ideal for aluminium and steel production. It contains varying levels of Sulphur and other elements depending on the crude oil source. Its high energy content and cost-effectiveness make Petroleum Coke essential in industrial and energy sectors. It plays a key role in global manufacturing and power generation.
Packaging Type
Grades Covered
Incoterms Used
Synonym
PriceWatch Quotation Terms:
Ex-Location: This incoterm refers to a shipping agreement where the seller makes the goods available at their premises, and the buyer is responsible for all transportation costs, including shipping, insurance, and any other fees.
CIF: CIF refers to the Cost, Insurance, and Freight (CIF) terms for goods. Under CIF terms, the seller is responsible for the cost of goods, insurance, and freight charges until the goods reach the port of destination.
FD: FD stands for Free Delivered where the seller takes full responsibility for delivering goods to the location/port. This ensures the buyer receives the goods at the designated port with all necessary costs, except import duties, covered.
FOB: FOB refers to the Free On-Board shipping term, where the seller is responsible for the cost and risk of delivering the goods to the port. Once the goods are on board the vessel, the responsibility shifts to the buyer for all costs, including shipping and insurance.
| Characteristics | Specification | |
| Low Sulphur (Calcined Petroleum Coke: <=1%) | Normal Sulphur (Mild Sulphur = 4.5%, High Sulphur = 6.5%) [Non calcinated Petroleum Coke: >1%] | |
| Moisture content | 0.1% Max. | 0.1% Max. |
| Ash content | 0.5% Max. | 0.5% Max. |
| Volatile Matter content | 0.5% Max. | 0.5% Max. |
| Fixed Carbon | 99% Min. | 99% Min. |
| Real Density | 2.05 gm/cc Min. | 2.05 gm/cc Min. |
| Sulphur content | 1% Max. | 1.3% Max. |
| Silicon (Si) content | 0.05% Max. | 0.05% Max. |
| Iron (Fe) content | 0.04% Max. | 0.04% Max. |
| Vanadium (V) content | 0.03% Max. | 0.03% Max. |
| Nickel (Ni) content | 0.02% Max. | 0.02% Max. |
Applications
Petroleum coke is primarily used as a fuel and a raw material in various industries. It is widely used in cement kilns, power plants, and metal manufacturing due to its high carbon content and energy value. Additionally, it serves as a key feedstock in aluminium production (calcined petcoke), steel manufacturing, and the production of electrodes for electric arc furnaces.
The pricing of Petroleum Coke depends on multiple factors, including crude oil price fluctuations, refinery production rates, and global supply-demand dynamics. Additionally, sulfur content plays a significant role, with lower-sulfur Petroleum Coke typically commanding higher prices due to its broader industrial applications. Transportation costs, environmental regulations, and geopolitical events also impact price volatility.
Higher sulfur content generally leads to lower prices, as Non-Calcined Petroleum Coke with high sulfur levels (6.5%) has limited applications and is subject to stricter environmental regulations. On the other hand, lower sulfur grades (4.5% and 5%) are preferred in industries like aluminum, steel, and cement, leading to higher demand and premium pricing. Procurement teams must assess their specific application needs to balance cost and performance.
Petroleum Coke prices vary across regions due to factors like refinery capacity, local demand, export restrictions, and freight costs. For example, the Middle East and North America often offer competitive pricing due to abundant production, whereas Asia and Europe might face higher costs due to import reliance. Procurement teams can optimize sourcing strategies by analyzing regional price trends, securing long-term contracts, and considering alternative suppliers to mitigate price fluctuations.
Copyright 2025. All rights reserved. Nidhyana Price Watch Data Analytics Private Limited