The Petroleum Coke Price Index recorded a broad upward movement across the major markets during Q2 2026, with all five reported regional benchmarks increasing compared with Q1. Prices ranged from USD 187/MT in India to USD 638/MT in South Korea, reflecting significant differences in refinery supply, import dependence, downstream industrial demand, quality specifications, and logistics costs.
South Korea recorded the highest price level, while Brazil and the USA also maintained relatively elevated benchmarks. India remained the lowest-priced market despite a modest increase, supported by stable domestic refinery output and regular industrial consumption. Overall, stronger demand from cement, aluminum, steel, power generation, and other energy-intensive industries, combined with tighter availability of suitable grades, supported the firmer pricing environment during the quarter.
Regional Petroleum Coke Prices Outlook – Q2 2026: Where Are Prices Highest?
- South Korea: USD 638/MT
- Brazil: USD 475/MT
- USA: USD 405/MT
- China: USD 367/MT
- India: USD 187/MT
The highest petroleum coke price was recorded in South Korea at USD 638/MT, reflecting strong industrial consumption, import dependence, and tighter availability of preferred-quality material. Brazil followed at USD 475/MT, with higher import costs and steady demand from cement and energy-intensive industries supporting the regional benchmark.
India recorded the lowest price at USD 187/MT, benefiting from domestic refinery output and comparatively favorable availability. The wide regional spread demonstrates the importance of refinery operating rates, quality requirements, transportation costs, and the balance between domestic production and imported material.
Regional Price Analysis of Petroleum Coke Prices – Q2 2026
USA
Petroleum coke prices in the USA reached USD 405/MT in June 2026, representing an increase from USD 385/MT in Q1. Stronger demand from industrial users, particularly cement, aluminum, and power-generation sectors, supported the upward movement. Refinery operating conditions influenced domestic availability, while higher logistics and handling costs contributed to firmer supplier offers.
The US market retained an important structural advantage through substantial domestic refinery production, although changes in refinery utilization affected the availability of individual grades. Demand from domestic consumers and export markets continued to support purchasing activity, particularly for material meeting specific sulfur and quality requirements.
China
China recorded petroleum coke prices of USD 367/MT, up from USD 359/MT in Q1. The increase was supported by improving downstream demand from cement, aluminum, steel-related industries, and industrial fuel applications. Refinery production adjustments also affected domestic availability, creating upward pressure on selected grades.
The market remained particularly sensitive to demand for anode materials and aluminum-related applications. Buyers maintained regular procurement patterns to ensure supply continuity, while export activity and domestic refinery conditions influenced the balance between available material and industrial requirements.
Brazil
Brazil recorded petroleum coke prices of USD 475/MT, compared with USD 450/MT in Q1. The market experienced upward pressure as import costs increased and industrial consumers maintained firm purchasing requirements. Domestic refinery production patterns influenced availability, while logistics expenses added to delivered costs.
Demand from cement producers and other energy-intensive industries remained an important market driver. Importers faced higher procurement expenses as international supply conditions tightened, encouraging buyers to maintain regular purchasing schedules to avoid disruptions to industrial operations.
India
India recorded petroleum coke prices of USD 187/MT, increasing from USD 185/MT in Q1. The market remained relatively stable compared with other major regions, supported by steady demand from cement and power-generation industries. Domestic refinery production and import availability influenced supply conditions, while transportation costs affected delivered pricing.
Buyers maintained regular procurement activity to support industrial operations, preventing significant market weakness. India's relatively low benchmark compared with other markets reflected domestic availability and differences in delivered logistics and quality specifications.
South Korea
South Korea recorded the highest petroleum coke price at USD 638/MT, rising from USD 586/MT in Q1. The significant increase reflected stronger industrial demand and tighter availability of preferred-quality grades. Import dependence remained an important pricing factor as international supply conditions influenced procurement costs.
Demand from steel, cement, and energy-intensive industries supported market activity, while higher freight and handling expenses added further cost pressure. The market therefore maintained a substantial premium over the other listed regions during Q2.
Supply and Demand Overview – Q2 2026
Global petroleum coke supply conditions remained influenced by refinery operating rates, crude processing patterns, delayed-coking capacity, and the availability of specific sulfur and quality grades. Although overall refinery output provided a steady supply base, variations in production and international cargo availability affected regional balances. Refinery disruptions and changes in global oil flows also contributed to uncertainty around availability and transportation costs.
Demand dynamics remained steady across key downstream sectors:
- Cement: Strong and strategically important fuel consumption
- Aluminum: Firm demand for anode-grade petroleum coke
- Power Generation: Stable requirements for industrial fuel applications
- Steel & Metallurgy: Consistent consumption across energy-intensive operations
- Industrial Manufacturing: Regular demand for fuel and carbon-related applications
The combination of steady downstream consumption and tighter availability of selected grades supported price strengthening across all five listed markets. Regional differences remained substantial because buyers with high import dependence faced greater exposure to freight, handling, and international supply conditions.
Key Factors Affecting Prices – Quarterly Perspective
Several critical factors influenced petroleum coke pricing during Q2 2026:
- Raw Material Availability: Refinery crude throughput and delayed-coking operations determined the volume and quality of petroleum coke available to buyers.
- Downstream Demand: Cement, aluminum, power, steel, and other energy-intensive industries maintained consistent consumption.
- Logistics: Freight, port handling, vessel availability, and international transportation costs affected delivered prices, particularly in import-dependent markets.
- Energy Costs: Crude oil and broader energy-market movements influenced refinery economics and the competitiveness of petroleum coke against alternative fuels.
- Trade Dynamics: International cargo flows, refinery exports, import requirements, and geopolitical disruptions shaped regional supply balances.
Recent Developments (Q2 Highlights)
- Stronger industrial demand supported petroleum coke prices across major markets
- Refinery operating conditions continued influencing regional supply availability
- Aluminum and cement consumption provided a stable downstream demand base
- Higher logistics and handling costs added pressure to delivered petroleum coke prices
These developments contributed to a firm petroleum coke market during Q2 2026, with the strongest price levels observed in import-dependent and supply-constrained markets.
For detailed insights, charts, and forecasts, explore: https://www.imarcgroup.com/petroleum-coke-pricing-report/requestsample
Petroleum Coke Price Chart Analysis – Quarterly Movement
The Petroleum Coke Price Chart for Q2 2026 illustrates a broad strengthening across all five reported markets. The movement was particularly pronounced in South Korea, where prices increased from USD 586/MT in Q1 to USD 638/MT in Q2, while Brazil and the USA also recorded meaningful gains.
Key quarterly movements include:
- Early Q2: Refinery and logistics conditions supported firmer pricing as buyers monitored supply availability and international trade flows.
- Mid-Q2: Strong cement, aluminum, and industrial demand encouraged regular procurement and supported supplier offers.
- Late Q2: Prices remained elevated as buyers secured suitable grades and logistics costs continued influencing delivered market values.
The chart demonstrates the importance of monitoring regional supply conditions and downstream consumption when planning petroleum coke purchases. Procurement managers can use these movements to assess sourcing alternatives, manage inventory coverage, and negotiate contracts according to regional market conditions.
Petroleum Coke Price Index & Historical Analysis
The Petroleum Coke Price Index strengthened across all five reported markets during Q2 2026. South Korea recorded the highest benchmark at USD 638/MT, followed by Brazil at USD 475/MT, while India remained at the lower end of the regional pricing range. Compared with Q1, the USA increased from USD 385/MT to USD 405/MT, China from USD 359/MT to USD 367/MT, Brazil from USD 450/MT to USD 475/MT, India from USD 185/MT to USD 187/MT, and South Korea from USD 586/MT to USD 638/MT.
Historical petroleum coke pricing is closely linked to refinery production, crude oil economics, industrial fuel demand, aluminum anode requirements, and international shipping conditions. During Q1 2026, markets generally remained firm-to-mixed as refinery output remained relatively stable while geopolitical and freight risks influenced supply chains. Q2 subsequently saw stronger pricing across the major reported markets as industrial demand improved and availability of selected grades became tighter.
The petroleum coke price history chart demonstrates market sensitivity to:
- Refinery operating rates and delayed-coking capacity
- Cement and aluminum demand
- Crude oil and energy-market conditions
- International freight and logistics costs
- Quality and sulfur-grade availability
The Q2 2026 trajectory therefore reflects a firmer market balance compared with the previous quarter, although regional pricing continued to vary considerably according to domestic supply and import exposure.
What Is Petroleum Coke?
Petroleum coke, commonly known as petcoke, is a carbon-rich solid material produced as a by-product of the oil-refining process. It is generated during delayed coking and related refinery processes and can be classified according to sulfur, metals, volatile matter, and other quality characteristics.
Key applications include:
- Cement Production: Used as an industrial fuel in high-temperature kiln operations
- Aluminum: Calcined petroleum coke is used in the manufacture of carbon anodes
- Power Generation: Serves as a fuel in selected industrial power applications
- Steel & Metallurgy: Used in specific energy and carbon-intensive processes
- Industrial Fuel: Provides a cost-effective energy source for selected heavy industries
Its high carbon content and calorific value make petroleum coke an important industrial fuel and carbon material, while grade specifications determine its suitability for different applications.
Petroleum Coke Price Forecast – Next 12 Months
The petroleum coke price forecast for the next 12 months indicates a firm-to-stable outlook, with prices expected to remain sensitive to refinery utilization, crude oil economics, industrial consumption, and international trade conditions. Demand from cement and aluminum industries should continue providing fundamental support, although regional availability may produce significant differences in price direction.
Key growth drivers include:
- Sustained cement-sector consumption
- Continued aluminum production and anode demand
- Stable industrial and power-generation requirements
- Potential refinery maintenance and supply disruptions
- Higher demand for suitable low-sulfur and specialty grades
Potential risks include:
- Higher refinery operating rates increasing supply
- Weakening cement or aluminum demand
- Lower crude oil and energy costs
- Increased availability of imported cargoes
- Substitution by coal or other industrial fuels
Overall, petroleum coke prices are expected to remain supported but regionally differentiated over the next 12 months. Supply from refineries, demand from cement and aluminum producers, and international freight conditions will remain central to market direction. Markets with high import dependence may continue to experience greater price volatility than regions with strong domestic refinery availability.
FAQs About Petroleum Coke Prices Insights & Market Analysis
What does the Petroleum Coke Price Index indicate in Q2 2026?
The Petroleum Coke Price Index indicates a broad upward movement across all five reported markets, with South Korea recording the highest price at USD 638/MT and India the lowest at USD 187/MT. Strong industrial demand and tighter availability of suitable grades supported the increase.
How does the Petroleum Coke Price Chart help procurement managers?
The Petroleum Coke Price Chart helps procurement managers compare regional benchmarks, evaluate quarterly price movements, identify supply-demand disparities, and optimize purchasing schedules. It also supports inventory planning and contract negotiations for different quality grades.
What is the petroleum coke price forecast for the next 12 months?
Petroleum coke prices are expected to remain firm-to-stable, supported by cement, aluminum, power, and industrial demand. Refinery output, crude economics, freight conditions, and the availability of specific grades will remain key determinants of future price movements.
How IMARC Pricing Database Can Help
The latest IMARC Group study, "Petroleum Coke Prices, Trend, Chart, Demand, Market Analysis, News, Historical and Forecast Data 2026 Edition," presents a detailed analysis of petroleum coke price trends and global market dynamics. The study provides comprehensive price analysis covering regional movements, historical trends, supply-demand conditions, and factors influencing current and future petroleum coke prices.
The analysis examines the relationship between raw material availability, refinery production, downstream consumption, trade dynamics, logistics, energy costs, and broader market developments. By assessing these interconnected factors, the pricing analysis helps businesses understand market direction and make informed procurement, budgeting, sourcing, and supply-chain decisions.
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