India: Pet coke imports climb to 5-year high in Aug’25 – BigMint data

• US supplies rise sharply to 1.2 mnt
• Shree Cement emerges as key buyer 

India’s pet coke imports rose to 1.8 mnt in August 2025, up 38% from 1.3 mnt in July and climbing to a five-year high. The increase was driven by higher inflows from the US and steady shipments from Saudi Arabia, lifting cumulative April-August arrivals to 6.6 mnt and reflecting improving cement-sector demand.

US, Saudi Arabia remain top suppliers

The US supplied 1.2 mnt in August, rising sharply from 0.7 mnt in July. Saudi Arabia maintained steady support with 0.4 mnt in August, compared with 0.3 mnt last month. Venezuela and Oman each contributed 0.1 mnt.

Kandla, Vizag lead port receipts

Kandla recorded the highest intake at 0.6 mnt, doubling from 0.3 mnt in July. Vizag followed at 0.3 mnt, while Gangavaram and Krishnapatnam handled 0.2 mnt each.

Shree Cement boosts imports

Shree Cement sharply increased intake to 0.4 mnt in August, becoming the largest importer followed by UltraTech Cement, which remained steady at 0.3 mnt. JK Cement and Ramco Cement booked 0.2 mnt each, while Reliance Industries’ intake dropped to 0.1 mnt from 0.2 mnt in July.

Prices rise m-o-m in Aug’25

US-origin pet coke prices averaged $112.2/t CNF Kandla in August, up from $110/t in July. At Vizag, US-origin prices climbed to $114/t, compared with $111.75/t in July. Saudi-origin offers also edged higher, with CNF Mundra averaging $110.6/t in August versus $109.75/t in July. At Vizag, Saudi-origin prices rose to $112.6/t, up from $111.25/t last month.

Outlook

Imports are likely to remain firm in the coming months, supported by cement demand and consistent overseas supply.