Petroleum coke markets in the US firmed into mid-February 2026 as refinery attrition, logistics disruptions and industrial offtake tightened prompt availability. Delayed-coker projects and refinery shutdowns removed tonnage from the spot pool, while cement and aluminium demand provided baseline support. Winter river icing and inland lock outages amplified tightness for prompt cargoes, prompting a re-evaluation of cover strategies among utilities and buyers. Sector dynamics show a split between robust industrial demand and softer utility-side interest. Cement makers and aluminium smelters supported fuel-grade and anode-grade markets. Utilities remained cautious as natural gas stayed competitive, dampening incremental spot demand. Supply-side disruptions and feedstock dynamics intensified market response, with outages removing incremental supply: Houston wind-down, delayed-coker at Garyville, and idling at Paulsboro, plus lock restrictions supporting higher prompt valuations. Weekly assessments showed firmer prompt levels and a climb into mid-February, contrasting with softer delivered readings. Outlook suggests upside risk through February, underpinned by capacity attrition and logistics headwinds; seasonal factors may amplify tightness.
