SMM Forecast on Petroleum Coke in October under the Background of Dual Control of Energy Consumption

SHANGHAI, Oct 13 (SMM) - The shipments of low-sulphur petroleum coke were active at the end of the National Day holiday while downstream carbon producers positively bought low-sulphur petroleum coke products. The overall prices stabilised; the medium and high-sulphur petroleum coke prices were sluggish. Although the inventory kept low, its shipments were muted and the acceptance of downstream carbon producers reduced, which properly restocked goods. Shandong Kenli Petrochemical and Yatong Petrochemical are expected to resume production at the end of October after the end of one-month maintenance. The inventory at Rizhao Port stood at 550,000 mt, with estimated 50,000 mt on the way. Its shipments were far less than that before the holiday.

The prices of pre-baked anodes rose 380 yuan/mt in early October, an increase of 18.75% from September. However, the growth rate of pre-baked anodes was still not as good as the average increase of 500-800 yuan/mt for petcoke at the raw material end in September. The on-going capacity of aluminium fell sharply in October amid the nationwide power rationing.  The calcined coking smelters in Jiangsu partially reduced the output amid the power rationing and the recovery time is uncertain. The output of the pre-baked anode is expected to decline amid the upcoming of the heating season in north China and the power rationing policies. The Winter Olympics will impose greater restrictions on domestic companies' environmental protection restrictions, and the downstream end of petroleum coke will bear a considerable impact.

The overall prices are expected to stabilise and correct slightly in October and the downstream demand for petroleum coke to slow. SMM will continue to follow the overall dynamics of petroleum coke.