US Petroleum Coke Sees 3.1% surge in late-Feb, As Middle East Tensions Threaten Energy Market

Petroleum coke markets in the USA strengthened through February 2026 as export demand and mid-month logistical disruptions tightened availability. Early February saw steady markets, but PBF Energy’s idling of key units at Paulsboro and higher Gulf freight rates pushed seaborne demand for petroleum coke, particularly to Asian cement kilns. Seasonal factors, including winter river icing and rail congestion, further constrained prompt cargo movement. Sector dynamics remained bifurcated, with fuel-grade for cement notably strong while anode/calcined petroleum coke markets stayed steady. Supply-side factors, including the Paulsboro outage, reduced domestic petroleum coke streams, while U.S. production concentration amplified the impact of localized disruptions. Valero’s planned Venezuelan heavy crude imports and additional coker capacity at PBF Delaware City are expected to moderate tightness. Geopolitical risks, particularly the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict, may affect Middle Eastern crude flows feeding U.S. cokers, reinforcing global petroleum coke supply concerns. With strong export demand, logistical constraints, and geopolitical tensions, availability is expected to remain tight, keeping market sentiment firm in the near term