The price of coal stabilised just above US$90. Based on reports of OPEC+ to defend the US$70 price point, oil prices are also remaining level. Meanwhile, US President Trump promised more US oil to the markets, lowering energy prices.
Petcoke saw a peak in its rally in March and is now falling as buyers are looking for coal due to very low discounts. Unless petcoke prices drop lower, cement buyers will continue to prefer coal.
On 21 March the discount for 6.5 per cent sulphur petcoke FOB sold at US$83 is 27 per cent when compared with API4 coal sold at US$92.00 in the 2Q25. The CIF ARA 6.5 per cent petcoke contract sold at US$101.00 is at a discount of 18 per cent when compared with API2 coal sold at US$98.00 in the 2Q25.
Petcoke with 6.5 per cent S is expected to move within the US$80-90 range with resistance at US$88, US$95, US$105 and US$115. Support is at US$80, US$75, US$68, US$58, US$50, US$48 and US$40 with multi-year support at US$41. For 2025 a broad range of US$50-75 is forecast.
by Frank O. Brannvoll, Brannvoll ApS, Denmark
