India: Pet coke imports rise 14% m-o-m in Oct’25 on lower domestic output

• Proactive restocking seen ahead of peak construction season
• Importers explore alternative sources beyond US, Saudi Arabia

India’s pet coke imports increased by 14% m-o-m to 1.6 million tonnes (mnt) in October 2025 from 1.4 mnt in September, according to BigMint’s provisional data. The rise was supported by higher shipments from the US and Saudi Arabia, coupled with limited domestic refinery supply.

Importers explore pet coke from other origins

The US retained its lead with shipments of 0.7 mnt in October, marginally lower than 0.8 mnt in September, while Saudi Arabia raised volumes to 0.3 mnt from 0.2 mnt previously. Oman also lifted its supplies to 0.2 mnt from 0.1 mnt. Smaller cargoes arrived from Venezuela, Mexico, and Kuwait, showcasing diversified sourcing amid stable demand. Buyers seem to be exploring non-traditional import sources owing to cost purposes.

Cement sector continues to drive demand

UltraTech Cement led procurement with 0.6 mnt in October, up from 0.4 mnt in September. Wonder Cement followed with 0.2 mnt, while Reliance Industries, Shri Cement, and JK Cement maintained steady buying at 0.1 mnt each. The steady increase in cement sector purchases highlights proactive restocking ahead of peak construction activity expected in Q3FY’26.

Why did India’s pet coke imports rise m-o-m?

1. Tight domestic supplies: Refineries such as RIL and Nayara Energy operated at restricted capacities through the month, maintaining firm refinery-gate prices. This prompted cement manufacturers to turn increasingly to overseas suppliers to meet feedstock needs ahead of the upcoming construction demand phase. On a y-o-y comparison, October 2025 imports remained largely steady, reflecting consistent industrial consumption.
2. India’s falling pet coke production: India’s domestic production of petroleum coke in September 2025 stood at 1.10 million tonnes (mnt), down 2.5% from 1.13 mnt in September 2024, and 6.7% lower than 1.18 mnt recorded in August. On a cumulative basis, April-September 2025 production totalled 7.06 mnt, reflecting a contraction of 4.2% from 7.36 mnt a year earlier.

1. Higher US, Saudi Arabian prices in Oct’25: Imported pet coke prices strengthened in October, extending the uptrend seen in the previous month. US-origin material averaged $120/t CNF Vizag and $118/t in CNF Kandla, compared with $119/t and $117/t in September 2025, respectively. Saudi-origin pet coke averaged $117/t CNF Mundra and CNF Vizag $119/t, up from $115.75/t and $117.75/t a month earlier. The steady rise was driven by tight global availability, elevated freights, and resilient demand from Indian end-users.

Outlook

India’s pet coke imports are expected to stay firm in November as industrial and construction activities gain pace post-monsoon. However, sustained high landed costs and stable domestic refinery supply could keep buyers cautious in concluding new bookings.