Platts proposes to launch daily FOB Middle East bitumen assessments from Nov. 2

Platts, part of S&P Global Energy, proposes to launch daily VG30 and VG40 bitumen spot assessments for FOB Middle East, effective Nov. 2, 2026.

The new assessments will complement Platts' existing daily and weekly bitumen assessments, providing greater price transparency and information in the waterborne trade for the product in the Asia-Pacific and Middle East markets.

Platts is proposing to launch two new daily outright assessments and their respective monthly averages. These assessments will reflect bulk Viscosity Grade 30 and VG 40 grade bitumen as per IS 73: 2013 specifications, loading 10-30 days forward from the date of publication from the Middle East.

Details of the proposed assessments are as follows:

Pricing information for material with other specifications and terms may be considered for the assessments, normalized to the proposed standard.

The assessments would reflect market value at the close of Asian trade at 4:30 pm Singapore time and follow the Singapore publication schedule. Bids, offers and trades reported throughout the day may be considered in the assessment process, with values normalized to market close at 4.30 pm Singapore time.

Please send any questions, comments or feedback to asia_products@spglobal.com, with a copy to pricegroup@spglobal.com by Sept. 23, 2026.

For written comments, please provide a clear indication if they are not intended for publication by Platts for public viewing. Platts will consider all comments received and will make comments not marked as confidential available upon request.