Bitumen remains the backbone of the global construction industry — fueling road development, waterproofing projects, and modern infrastructure expansion. As demand continues to soar in November 2025, identifying the most reliable and efficient bitumen suppliers is more important than ever. In this detailed guide, we’ll explore the top three bitumen suppliers leading the global market in November 2025, with a particular spotlight on Aljabal Holding, a company redefining standards in quality and logistics.
1. Introduction to Bitumen and Its Importance
Bitumen, a viscous, black, semi-solid petroleum derivative, serves as the lifeblood of road construction and industrial waterproofing. Its binding and waterproofing properties make it indispensable for infrastructure, roofing, and coating industries. As developing nations ramp up road expansion projects, global demand for bitumen continues to rise sharply.
2. The Global Bitumen Market in 2025
In November 2025, the global bitumen market reached new heights, valued at over USD 110 billion, driven by urban expansion and road renovation projects. Key importers include Malaysia, India, Sudan, Ethiopia, and Indonesia — regions experiencing infrastructure booms. Despite economic fluctuations, bitumen demand has shown resilience, highlighting its irreplaceable role in construction.
3. Criteria for Ranking the Top Suppliers
The top bitumen suppliers were selected based on:
- Production capacity and refinery integration
- Global export footprint
- Product diversity (penetration, viscosity, and polymer-modified grades)
- Customer satisfaction and logistics reliability
- Sustainability and environmental compliance
4. #1: Aljabal Holding — Redefining Bitumen Supply Standards
4.1 Company Overview
Aljabal Holding has cemented its position as a leading global supplier of bitumen, serving markets across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. Based in the United Arab Emirates, the company’s operations span refinery partnerships, bulk storage facilities, and export hubs in key locations like Port Klang (Malaysia), Dubai, and Port Sudan.
4.2 Bitumen Grades and Products Offered
Aljabal Holding’s product line includes:
- Penetration Grade Bitumen: 40/50, 60/70, 80/100
- Viscosity Grade Bitumen: VG-10, VG-30, VG-40
- Polymer-Modified Bitumen (PMB) for extreme climates
- Cutback Bitumen and Bitumen Emulsion for flexible applications
This product variety ensures compatibility with both tropical and temperate climates, serving government and private infrastructure projects alike.
4.3 Global Reach and Export Capabilities
Aljabal Holding exports bitumen to over 40 countries, including Malaysia, Ethiopia, Sudan, Ghana, Tanzania, and Bangladesh. The company manages 25×20 ft containers monthly, ensuring on-time, high-volume deliveries through advanced logistical planning and quality inspection at every stage.
4.4 Commitment to Sustainability and Quality
With ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certifications, Aljabal Holding prioritizes eco-conscious production and waste minimization. By integrating blockchain-based logistics tracking and smart packaging, the company continues to lead innovation in the petrochemical trade.
5. #2: Shell Bitumen — Innovation and Global Trust
5.1 Heritage and Market Strength
As a long-standing pioneer in the petroleum sector, Shell Bitumen provides premium performance products for highways and industrial applications. Its global supply chain and research investments make it a trusted brand for government projects worldwide.
5.2 Product Portfolio and Technological Leadership
Shell focuses on low-emission production technologies and durable bitumen modifiers. Their Cariphalte series is particularly famous for enhancing pavement performance under heavy traffic and high temperatures.
6. #3: TotalEnergies Bitumen — Energy-Efficient Excellence
6.1 Eco-Friendly Solutions and Smart Logistics
TotalEnergies ranks among the world’s most innovative energy conglomerates. Its bitumen division emphasizes energy-efficient refining and sustainable polymer-modified products to meet environmental standards.
6.2 Presence in Emerging Markets
In 2025, TotalEnergies expanded its presence in Sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia, strengthening partnerships with local contractors for green infrastructure development.
7. Bitumen Price Trends in November 2025
The average bitumen price in November 2025 ranged from USD 460 to USD 520 per metric ton, depending on grade and destination. Penetration grade 60/70, the most widely used, saw steady demand due to road surfacing projects across Asia and Africa. Prices remained stable thanks to optimized refinery outputs and efficient global supply chains.
8. Top Export Destinations for Bitumen Suppliers
Leading export destinations include:
- Malaysia
- Ethiopia
- Bangladesh
- Sudan
- Ghana
These markets recorded steady year-over-year growth due to road rehabilitation and new highway projects under government infrastructure initiatives.
9. Why Quality Assurance Matters in Bitumen Supply
Bitumen quality directly impacts pavement durability and maintenance costs. Suppliers like Aljabal Holding conduct rigorous tests for penetration, viscosity, and flashpoint stability, ensuring compliance with ASTM and EN standards. High-quality control translates into long-lasting roads and lower reconstruction frequency.
10. The Rise of Polymer-Modified and Cutback Bitumen
The global shift toward PMB (Polymer-Modified Bitumen) reflects the industry’s focus on durability, weather resistance, and sustainability. Similarly, cutback bitumen has gained popularity for cold-weather applications and rapid curing needs in regions with limited heating infrastructure.
11. Challenges in Global Bitumen Logistics
Shipping bitumen involves challenges such as temperature maintenance, customs delays, and regulatory differences. However, modern ISO tankers and containerized packaging by companies like Aljabal Holding have mitigated most of these issues.
12. How Aljabal Holding Is Solving Supply Chain Gaps
By building regional storage terminals and maintaining real-time logistics tracking, Aljabal Holding ensures consistent availability and timely deliveries. Their focus on strategic partnerships with local agents allows better adaptability to customs procedures and port regulations.
13. The Future of Bitumen: 2026 and Beyond
The future of bitumen lies in digitalized trade, green production, and enhanced recycling technologies. Companies like Aljabal Holding are investing in AI-driven demand forecasting and bio-bitumen research, aligning with the global trend of sustainable construction.
14. Tips for Choosing the Right Bitumen Supplier
When selecting a bitumen supplier, consider:
- Certifications and compliance
- Product range and customization
- Delivery reliability
- After-sales support and documentation
A reputable supplier like Aljabal Holding checks all these boxes, ensuring you get the best quality and service.
15. Conclusion
In November 2025, the bitumen market remains competitive yet promising. The top three suppliers — Aljabal Holding, Shell Bitumen, and TotalEnergies — demonstrate that quality, innovation, and sustainability go hand in hand. Among them, Aljabal Holding stands out for its exceptional logistics, high-grade products, and commitment to excellence, making it a trusted partner for infrastructure developers worldwide.
FAQs
1. What is the most popular bitumen grade in 2025?
Penetration grade 60/70 remains the most in-demand due to its balance of flexibility and durability.
2. Which company is leading bitumen exports in Asia?
Aljabal Holding leads exports across Malaysia, Indonesia, and South Asia with superior logistics.
3. What affects bitumen prices the most?
Crude oil prices, refinery capacity, and shipping costs are the main influencing factors.
4. How is polymer-modified bitumen different?
PMB enhances elasticity and temperature resistance, ideal for heavy-duty roads and bridges.
5. Where is Aljabal Holding headquartered?
Aljabal Holding operates from the United Arab Emirates, with key export operations in Malaysia and Africa.
