Bitumen: Types, Uses, Grades, Price & Complete Buying Guide (2026)
If you work in road construction, waterproofing, or industrial materials, you have certainly come across the term bitumen.
But did you know that bitumen is not just one thing — it comes in different grades, types, and applications? Selecting the incorrect grade may result in an expensive, weak and short-lived project.
Everything is discussed in this comprehensive guide: what bitumen is, what types and grades of bitumen are, where bitumen is used, how to test its quality, what prices will be in 2026, and how to purchase bitumen in bulk in India.
This guide is also very helpful to contractors, civil engineers, procurement managers and students.
What Is Bitumen? (Definition, Composition & Properties)
Bitumen is a dark brown or black, semi-solid or highly viscous liquid that is a byproduct of petroleum refining. It is naturally present in the earth and is also derived in crude oil.
In the UK and India, it is commonly known as “asphalt” – although technically the two are not the same, which we will discuss in more detail later in this guide.
Bitumen is the backbone of road construction because of its exceptional binding properties.
It is not water absorbing, stable under extreme temperatures and is able to bind aggregates to a robust pavement layer.
Chemical Composition of Bitumen
Bitumen is made up of four primary fractions:
| Component | Percentage (%) | Role / Function |
|---|---|---|
| Asphaltenes | 5 – 25% | Provides structural rigidity and stiffness |
| Resins | 25 – 40% | Provides ductility and adhesion |
| Aromatics | 30 – 45% | Maintains fluidity |
| Saturates | 5 – 15% | Wax content — affects low-temperature performance |
The bitumen is harder and stiffer, the more asphaltenes. This is the reason why more hard grades are applied on high-traffic roads.
Key Physical Properties of Bitumen
| Property | Typical Range | Test Standard | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Penetration (0.1mm) | 30 – 220 | IS 1203 / ASTM D5 | Measures hardness and consistency |
| Softening Point (°C) | 40 – 60°C | IS 1205 / ASTM D36 | Indicates temperature resistance |
| Ductility (cm) | 50 – 100 cm+ | IS 1208 | Measures flexibility and elongation |
| Flash Point (°C) | > 220°C | IS 1209 | Fire safety during application |
| Viscosity (Pa.s at 60°C) | 160 – 2400+ | IS 1206 | Determines flow behaviour |
| Specific Gravity | 1.00 – 1.05 | IS 1202 | Density verification |
Natural Bitumen vs Petroleum Bitumen
| Parameter | Natural Bitumen | Petroleum Bitumen |
|---|---|---|
| Source | Found directly in the earth | Obtained from crude oil refining |
| Purity | May contain impurities | Controlled quality through refining |
| Cost | Higher (rare) | Economical and widely available |
| Application | Specialty industrial use | Roads, waterproofing, industrial |
| Examples | Gilsonite, Trinidad Lake Asphalt | VG-30, PG 64-22, Cutback |
Expert Analysis: Petroleum-grade (refined) bitumen is more than 95% of that utilized in India. The natural bitumen is applied in only specialty applications like paints, coatings, and sealants.
The key producers of bitumen in the country are HPCL, BPCL and Indian oil Corporation (IOC).
Types and Grades of Bitumen — Complete Classification
The knowledge of the type of bitumen is essential since different applications demand a particular grade of bitumen.
The improper grade may result in premature road failure, waterproofing leakage or damage to industrial products.
Master Comparison Table — All Major Grades at a Glance
| Grade Type | Standard | Penetration / Parameter | Temperature Range | Primary Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VG-10 (Pen 80/100) | IS 73:2013 | 80–100 dmm | Cold climates / below 35°C | Spray applications, cold regions |
| VG-20 (Pen 60/70) | IS 73:2013 | 60–70 dmm | Moderate / 35–40°C | Medium traffic roads |
| VG-30 (Pen 60/70) | IS 73:2013 | 60–70 dmm | Hot / 40–45°C | National highways (India standard) |
| VG-40 (Pen 30/40) | IS 73:2013 | 30–40 dmm | Very hot / above 45°C | Heavy traffic, intersections |
| PMB 40 | IS 15462 | Modified | All climates | High-stress roads, bridges |
| CRMB 55 | IS 15462 | Modified | Hot and high traffic | Urban roads, flyovers |
| Emulsion SS-1 | IS 8887 | N/A | Ambient temperature | Surface dressing, fog seal |
| Cutback RC-70 | ASTM D2028 | 70 sec | Cold weather laying | Road primers |
| Blown Bitumen 85/25 | IS 702 | 85 pen / 25°C SP | Roofing and industrial | Waterproofing, cable coating |
| Gilsonite (Natural) | ASTM D | Varies | Specialty | Paints, sealants, industrial |
Penetration Grade Bitumen — VG-10, VG-20, VG-30, VG-40
According to IS 73: 2013, bitumen is now categorized in India as Viscosity Grade (VG) as opposed to Penetration Grades.
The penetration test only quantifies hardness – the distance that a 100g needle can penetrate in 5 seconds at 25°C (in the unit of 0.1mm).
- VG-10 (80/100 Pen): Soft grade, and is applied in cold climates and spraying. Preferred in hilly regions like Jammu & Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh.
- VG-20 (60/70 Pen): Medium grade, suitable for moderate traffic roads.
- VG-30 (60/70 Pen): The most common in India. Mainly used on national highways of NHAI.
- VG-40 (30/40 Pen): The hardest standard grade. Best suited to traffic of heavy commercial vehicles and in high temperature areas such as Rajasthan and Gujarat.
Modified Bitumen (PMB, CRMB, NRMB) — IS 15462
Modified Bitumen is used when regular bitumen is inadequate, e.g. on high-stress intersections, bridges or airports.
It is enhanced by the addition of polymers or rubber to enhance its performance.
| Type | Modifier Used | Standard | Key Advantage | Best Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PMB 40 | SBS Polymer | IS 15462 | High elasticity, crack resistance | Bridges, flyovers, high-stress zones |
| PMB 70 | SBS Polymer | IS 15462 | Better rutting resistance | Airports, heavy industrial roads |
| CRMB 55 | Crumb Rubber | IS 15462 | Eco-friendly (uses waste tyres) | Urban roads, noise reduction |
| CRMB 60 | Crumb Rubber | IS 15462 | High softening point | Hot climate heavy traffic |
| NRMB | Natural Rubber | IS 15462 | Good flexibility in cold | Mountain highways |
Emulsified Bitumen — Bitumen in Water
Emulsified bitumen is a suspension of small droplets of bitumen in a liquid.
It is the most suitable when cold-mixing is required since it does not need heating. It is based on the IS 8887 standard.
- Cationic Emulsion (CSS, MS, RS): Positively charged. Works on acidic aggregates such as granite. Applied on the road surface.
- Anionic Emulsion ( SS-1, SS-1h): negatively charged. Fired with simple or limestone aggregates. Used as fog seals and tack coats.
Cutback Bitumen — Solvent-Thinned Grade
A petroleum solvent is used in cutback bitumen to make it thin enough to be applied even in low temperatures.
After the solvent is evaporated, the bitumen goes back to its original properties.
- Rapid Curing (RC): Naphtha solvent. Fast evaporation. Tack coat and fog seal.
- Medium Curing (MC): Kerosene solvent. Medium evaporation. Applied in road bases and mix-in-place.
- Slow Curing (SC): Thick solvent. Slow evaporation. Dustproofing and road base stabilization.
Blown Bitumen (Oxidized) — Industrial Grade
Blown bitumen: This is done by blowing hot air through bitumen to oxidize it. This considerably increases its softening point and stiffens it.
It is not applied to roads – it is mostly applied in waterproofing and in industry.
- Grade 85/25: Applied to roofing sheets and in Damp Proof Course (DPC).
- Grade 90/15: Cable coating, battery cases and paint industry.
- Grade 95/25: Grades in industrial flooring and pipe coating.
Natural Bitumen (Gilsonite) — Specialty Grade
The gilsonite is the solid bitumen that is naturally occurring in the form of veins in the mountains.
It can be used in specialty finishes, inks, paints and foundry work due to its high level of nitrogen.
It is primarily imported in India. Another interesting natural bitumen is Trinidad Lake Asphalt (TLA), used in high performance road mixes.
Uses and Applications of Bitumen — Industry-wise Breakdown
Bitumen is a multi-industry material. Road construction has a demand of approximately 70% of the global demand whereas the remaining 30% is used up in the construction, industrial and specialty industry.
Road Construction — Primary Application
Bitumen is an adhesive substance in road construction that makes the stone aggregates in the construction a powerful and pliable pavement layer.
It is used in the form of Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) or Bituminous Macadam (BM).
| Pavement Layer | Material | Bitumen Grade Used | Thickness |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subbase | Granular material | Not required | 150–300mm |
| Base Course | WMM / BM | VG-30 | 75–100mm |
| Binder Course | DBM | VG-30 / PMB | 50–75mm |
| Wearing Course | BC / SMA | VG-40 / PMB 70 | 25–40mm |
| Surface Treatment | Chip Seal / Fog Seal | Emulsion | 10–15mm |
One of the NHAI projects in India requires about 6 – 7 million metric tonnes of bitumen each year.
Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), and state road projects eat up another 2 – 3 million MT.
Waterproofing Applications
The second most significant application of bitumen is in the waterproofing.
It is ideal in: Its low water absorption, UV resistance and flexibility make it ideal in:
- Roofing: Modified bitumen sheets (torch-on waterproofing) are used on flat roofs. Grade 90/15 oxidized bitumen is commonly applied.
- Basement and Podium Waterproofing: Bituminous membranes are painted on the under-grade buildings.
- Bridge Deck Waterproofing: Deck reinforced concrete is shielded against water intrusion by a layer of bitumen.
- Tunnel Linings: Applied in underground works, where groundwater should be kept out.
- Pipe Coating: The underground pipelines are coated with blown bitumen as a protection against corrosion.
Industrial Applications
- Battery Cases: Blown bitumen is applied in the outer case of automobile batteries because it is a very good electrical insulator and also it has good weather resistance.
- Cable Coating: Bituminous coating is used to cover underground electrical and telephone cables to protect them.
- Paint and Varnish Industry: Black bituminous paint is applied as an anti-corrosion on metal structures, tanks and railings.
- Soundproofing Panels: Panels are used in the automotive industry to dampen the sounds of cars and to undercoat them.
- Dam and Reservoir Linings: Hydraulic structures (seepage control) are lined with bituminous lining.
Airport Runways, Ports and Sports Surfaces
VG-40 or PMB 70 is used in airport runways due to the possibility of buckling of the bitumen during heavy aircraft traffic and the high temperatures in jet blast.
The ports of cargo needs modified bitumen on heavy cranes and forklifts.
Bituminous surfaces are also used on tennis courts, athletics tracks, and cycling velodromes, but a coloured layer of epoxy is applied over the top.
How Is Bitumen Made? (Production Process — Step by Step)
A crude oil refinery is a process through which petroleum bitumen is obtained.
Not all crude oil is good bitumen- only heavy crude oil with API gravity of between 10 and 20 yields good-quality bitumen.
Step 1 — Atmospheric Distillation of Crude Oil
The crude oil is first pumped to the Atmospheric Distillation Unit (ADU).
The various temperature fractions produce different fractions LPG, petrol, kerosene, diesel and a heavy residue. This residual is further processed.
Step 2 — Vacuum Distillation (VDU)
The residue of the atmosphere is passed to the Vacuum Distillation Unit. High-boiling fractions are separated under low pressure (vacuum).
What is formed by the VDU bottom is referred to as “short residue” or “vacuum residue” – this is the stuff that turns into bitumen.
Step 3 — Propane Deasphalting (Optional)
There are refineries that deasphalt the residue with propane. Propane separates the asphaltenes and resins. This process results in increased purity bitumen.
Step 4 — Air Blowing (For Blown/Oxidized Grades)
When the VDU residue is to be blown into bitumen, hot air is blown through it at temperatures between 250–260°C.
The oxidation process enhances the content of asphaltenes and the bitumen becomes harder and has a higher softening point.
Step 5 — Quality Testing and Grade Certification
Final bitumen is subjected to penetration, viscosity, softening point, ductility and flash point testing.
The issuance is done on the basis of BIS IS 73 standard. It is only after that the product is packed and sent out.
Major Bitumen-Producing Refineries in India
| Refinery | Location | Grades Produced | Refinery Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| HPCL Visakhapatnam Refinery | Visakhapatnam, AP | VG-10, VG-30, VG-40, PMB | ~8 MMTPA |
| BPCL Mumbai Refinery | Mumbai, MH | VG-10, VG-20, VG-30, VG-40 | ~12 MMTPA |
| Indian Oil Panipat Refinery | Panipat, HR | VG-30, VG-40, Emulsion | ~15 MMTPA |
| Nayara Energy (Essar) | Vadinar, GJ | All VG grades, export | ~20 MMTPA |
| CPCL Chennai Refinery | Chennai, TN | VG-30, VG-40 | ~9.5 MMTPA |
Bitumen Quality Tests — How to Check Grade Before Buying
It is very important to check quality once delivered with a bitumen delivery. Delivery of adulterated or wrong grade bitumen is a common issue in the market.
The tests must be performed at an accredited lab and per IS standards.
| Test Name | IS Standard | Method | Acceptable Range (VG-30) | What It Checks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Penetration Test | IS 1203 | 100g needle, 25°C, 5 sec | 60–70 dmm | Hardness and consistency |
| Softening Point | IS 1205 | Ring and Ball Method | 47–55°C | Temperature susceptibility |
| Ductility Test | IS 1208 | Pull specimen at 25°C | Min 75 cm | Flexibility under tension |
| Flash Point | IS 1209 | Cleveland Open Cup | Min 220°C | Fire safety during application |
| Kinematic Viscosity | IS 1206 Part 2 | Saybolt Furol viscometer | 2400 cSt at 60°C | Flow behaviour |
| Specific Gravity | IS 1202 | Pyknometer method | 0.99 – 1.02 | Density verification |
| Solubility | IS 1216 | Carbon disulphide | Min 99.5% | Purity and impurities |
| Fraass Breaking Point | IS 9381 | Plate cooling method | Max -7°C | Low-temperature cracking |
| Spot Test | ASTM D1856 | Naphtha solution | Negative | Detects cracked residue |
Field Hint: When delivering, make a brief examination:
(1) The colour of the bitumen must be uniformly dark brown or black, not streaky or mixed, this is a red flag.
(2) Rub a little on paper and allow to cool it should be smooth and homogenous.
(3) The odor must be usual – foreign chemical odor- signifies adulteration.
(4) Requirement of the temperature log – bitumen must be carried at 150-180 C.
Bitumen Price in India (2026) — Grade-wise and City-wise Current Rates
The prices of bitumen in India vary in relation to the prices of crude oil, season demand, OPEC and refinery policies.
April 2026 ex-refinery and market rates are approximate as shown below. The real cost of purchase will vary depending on transport, GST (18%) and dealer mark-ups.
Factors That Affect Bitumen Price
- Crude Oil Prices (Brent/WTI): The largest of all. Each $5/barrel rise in crude will raise bitumen prices by Rs. 1,500–2,500 per MT.
- Seasonal Demand: Road construction in India is at its best in October to March, this is the time of the year when the prices are 8-15% higher.
- OPEC Production Cuts: This happens when Saudi Arabia or Iran cuts its production, resulting in an increase in imported bitumen prices.
- Indian Refinery Maintenance Shutdowns: When the shutdown is planned there is a tightening of supply locally and an increase in the prices.
- Currency Fluctuation: A weak rupee increases the cost of imported bitumen.
- GST and State Taxes: GST is pegged at 18%. There are other states that impose extra cess over this.
Bitumen vs Asphalt vs Tar — Key Differences Explained
Bitumen vs Asphalt — The Most Common Confusion
| Parameter | Bitumen | Asphalt (Asphalt Concrete) |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Pure binding material extracted from crude oil | Mixture of bitumen (5–7%) plus aggregates |
| State | Liquid or semi-solid in pure form | Solid pavement material after laying and cooling |
| Usage | Raw material and binder | Final road surface and finished product |
| Terminology | UK, India, Australia — “bitumen” | USA — “asphalt” |
| Color | Dark brown to black | Black (due to bitumen coating on aggregates) |
| Application | Direct — as binder and waterproofing | Mixed — as HMA, DBM, BC layers |
Easy to Remember Rule: Bitumen is an ingredient. Asphalt is a blend of bitumen and stone aggregates and sand. Consider it as cement is an ingredient and concrete is a mixture.
Bitumen vs Coal Tar — Origin and Safety
| Parameter | Bitumen | Coal Tar |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Petroleum (crude oil) refining | Coal distillation or coal gasification |
| Color | Dark brown to black | Black with a reddish tinge |
| Composition | Aliphatic hydrocarbon chains | Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) |
| Health Risk | Low — non-carcinogenic at standard use | HIGH — PAH compounds are carcinogenic |
| Adhesion | Good with aggregates | Better adhesion but serious health hazard |
| Current Use | Widely used globally | Largely banned in most countries for roads |
Important: Coal tar cannot be used in Indian road projects. When a contractor proposes the use of tar rather than bitumen, it is a serious red flag both in the eyes of the law and health and safety point of view.
Bitumen vs Modified Bitumen — When Should You Upgrade?
| Parameter | Plain Bitumen (VG-30) | Modified Bitumen (PMB/CRMB) |
|---|---|---|
| Cost per MT | Rs. 38,000 – 42,000 | Rs. 55,000 – 70,000 |
| Rutting Resistance | Moderate | Excellent |
| Fatigue Life | Standard | 2–3 times longer |
| Low-temp Cracking | More susceptible | Significantly better |
| Best For | Rural roads, low to medium traffic | Highways, urban roads, bridges, airports |
| Long-term Value | Lower upfront cost | Fewer repairs, better lifecycle economy |
How to Buy Bitumen — Bulk Purchase Guide for Contractors
Top Bitumen Manufacturers and Suppliers in India
Pursuit Industries Pvt. Ltd. — The Best Choice for Contractors & Bulk Buyers
Website: pursuitind.com
Type: Global Exporter & Specialty Chemical Supplier Grades
Available: VG-10, VG-20, VG-30, VG-40, PMB, CRMB
Bitumen Emulsions Global Presence: 83+ Countries
Pursuit industries Pvt. Ltd. is the best-ranked and most flexible and professionally run contractor, infrastructure developer, or road construction company in India that can possibly source bitumen at a large scale.
Why Pursuit Industries Is the Preferred Choice
Pursuit Industries is a Two Star Export House Government of India recognised company based in Surat, Gujarat with three generations experience in chemicals and industrial materials.
Their international supply chain covers 83+ countries, and as a result, they have unparalleled logistics capacity – whether you are sourcing locally, or running a global infrastructure initiative.
The distinguishing feature of Pursuit compared to the PSU refineries and traditional dealers is that they are contractor-first procurement.
You receive straightforward, non-intermediary pricing, smart order quantities that can customize to mid-scale and large-scale projects as well as provide end-to-end documentation services, such as export compliance and quality approval.
All the supplies of Pursuit bitumen are tested and certified to meet the requirements of IS:73, which guarantees consistency in grades in each batch.
Their responsive customer service and timely delivery schedules are particularly useful in projects with strict deadlines and no opportunity to have supply interruptions.
To a contractor managing international tenders or international construction projects, the global logistics infrastructure Pursuit has been building over the years is a real competitive edge – something that PSU refineries can not possibly compete with.
Pursuit Industries have an easy way with bulk quote requests of bitumen; simply visit: pursueind.com/contact-us or call directly at +91 261-3623260. Their chemical separation provides competitive prices and fast turnaround to serious buyers.
Other Notable Bitumen Suppliers in India
In addition to Pursuit industries, there are other PSU refineries that provide bitumen in domestic market.
Although they are very well known, each has its own limitations which contractors ought to take a keen interest before making a commitment.
HPCL (Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd.)
A significant PSU refinery that provides VG-10 in VG-40, PMB and emulsions. The process of procurement is channeled into a government tendering process, which is lengthy and very bureaucratic.
Minimum order quantities are very big, and it is not practical to small or mid-size contractors. Website: hpclindia.com
BPCL (Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd.)
Provides VG grades and emulsions in its refinery system. Like HPCL with its inflexible procurement process and location-based supply.
Most appropriate to contractors who are already registered in their dealer network. Website: bharatpetroleum.in
Indian Oil Corporation (IOC): The largest refinery with the most extensive grade portfolio in India, including modified bitumen.
Direct purchase must be registered by their approved dealer network, a barrier to entry to new or independent contractors. Website: iocl.com
Nayara Energy (Essar Oil) A private refinery that provides all grades of VG that can be exported.
Competitive pricing, however, they serve very high-volume buyers, which is not as accessible to the typical project procurement. Website: nayaraenergy.com
CPCL (Chennai Petroleum Corporation Ltd.) Relevant primarily for projects in South India, with a focus on VG-30 and VG-40 grades.
Its reach is pan-Indian, and thus, it is not useful to contractors working in more than one region. Website: cpcl.co.in
Colas India A specialty supplier that specializes in high-value products – PMB, CRMB, and emulsions.
Best suited with high specifications highway and airport runways. Pricing is at the high-end of the market. Website: colas.com
Packaging and Storage of Bitumen
- Drum Packing (180kg): Appropriate with small quantities. Easy to handle. Perfect waterproofing contractors.
- Bulk Tanker (12-25 MT): This is applied in road construction. Offers economy of scale. Heated tankers will be needed.
- Bitucrete Bags (Modified): PMB is in other situations available in bags – melted in a re-heating plant and then used.
To store: bitumen must be kept at 150-170°C. It is not to be kept out of doors. Contamination should be prevented – mixing with water it foams and poses a fire hazard.
Quality Verification on Delivery — Contractor Checklist
- Order a test certificate (BIS/lab report) – this is obligatory and should be delivered with it.
- Check the temperature log of the tankers- it ought to be 150-180°C during transportation.
- Check batch number and refinery seal – an indicator of genuine PSU supply.
- Send (random sample) to an empanelled lab and make full payment.
- The invoice should have the number of the IS grade clearly e.g. IS 73:2013 VG-30.
Online Bulk Buying Platforms
- GeM Portal (Government e-Marketplace): Best for government contractors. Enables direct procurement from PSU refineries.
- GeM Portal (Government e-Marketplace): Ideal with government contractors. Allows direct purchase by PSU refineries.
- Moglix.com: Industrial materials B2B. Bitumen and construction chemicals are on offer.
- IndiaMART: A distributor and dealer network with various grades.
- TradeIndia: Contractor and procurement team bulk inquiry portal.
Environmental Impact and Sustainability of Bitumen
Recycled Asphalt Pavement (RAP) — Circular Economy
Old roads are milled and transformed into Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP) that is mixed with new bitumen to produce new pavement.
The use of RAP is a part of the guidelines presented by NHAI. The same performance can be achieved at up to 25–30% RAP content at lowered costs, by 15–20%.
CRMB (crumb rubber modified bitumen) is sustainable as well since it incorporates waste tyres as raw material.
Warm Mix Asphalt (WMA) — Emission Reduction
Traditional Hot Mix Asphalt is mixed at 150–160°C. Warm Mix Asphalt technology uses additives to reduce the mixing temperature by 20–40°C.
This cuts fuel consumption by approximately 20% and reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 30–40%.
WMA adoption in Europe has exceeded 30% of total asphalt production. Trials are underway in India as well.
Bio-Bitumen — The Future Alternative
There is ongoing research on bio-based bitumen binders based on sugarcane bagasse, vegetable oils and wood lignin.
The scale is not available commercially yet, but researchers forecast that it may gain a market share of 10-15% by 2030.
It will not be a 100% substitution of the traditional bitumen, but combined formulations give a considerable prospect.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Bitumen
Q1. What is the difference between bitumen and tar?
Bitumen is a by-product of crude oil refining and is applied all over the world in road construction.
Tar is a by-product of distillation of coal and it has carcinogenic PAHs. In India, the tar application in the road is prohibited.
Q2. Which bitumen grade is most commonly used on Indian roads?
The most common grade in India is VG-30 (according to IS 73:2013).
It is mostly applied on NHAI national and state highways. VG-40 is applied in hot weather and in heavy traffic roads.
Q3. What is the current price of VG-30 bitumen in India?
In April 2026, the market value of VG-30 bitumen will be approximately Rs. 38,000 – 42,000 per metric tonne before taxes.
The actual price will be approximately Rs. after the addition of 18% GST. 44,900-49,500 per MT. The prices are different in the cities and transportation distance.
Q4. Are bitumen and asphalt the same thing?
No. Bitumen is a pure sticky substance derived out of crude oil. Asphalt (or asphalt concrete) is a blend of bitumen (5–7%) and stone aggregates, sand and filler.
People in the UK and India tend to refer to asphalt as bitumen, which is technically incorrect.
Q5. How do I check bitumen quality on delivery?
During delivery check the temperature log (must be 150–180°C), order BIS test certificate, enter the refinery batch number, and submit a sample to a qualified laboratory to test penetration and softening point. Await lab outcome to make payment.
Q6. Can I invest in bitumen?
In India, bitumen is not a listed commodity. Futures contracts in bitumen can however be found in Shanghai Futures Exchange (SHFE).
In India, crude oil futures on MCX can be used to obtain an indirect exposure, or stocks of PSU oil companies (HPCL, BPCL, and IOC). Indirect exposure is also offered in infrastructure sector mutual funds.
Q7. Why is modified bitumen more expensive and when is it worth it?
There are polymers or rubber added to modified bitumen and this contributes to high performance. It is 40–70% more expensive than plain bitumen, however pavement life may be increased 2-3 times.
The modified bitumen is economically viable in the case of heavy traffic roads, bridges, flyovers, airports and high temperature zones, long-term repair costs heavily outweigh the increased cost.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Bitumen for Your Project
Bitumen may seem like a straightforward material, but choosing the right grade is a technical decision that directly affects project durability, cost, and performance. Here is a quick summary:
- For road projects: VG-30 is the standard choice. Consider VG-40 or PMB 40 for heavy traffic or hot climates.
- For waterproofing: Use blown bitumen 85/25 or 90/15 for roofing, and modified bitumen membranes for bridge decks and basements.
- For budget-sensitive projects: VG-30 offers the best economy. Bulk purchasing can bring a discount of 8–12%.
- For long-term highways: PMB or CRMB costs more upfront but delivers savings on a 10-year lifecycle cost basis.
- Never compromise on quality: Always get lab tests done. The long-term cost of cheap or adulterated bitumen is far higher than the savings made at purchase.
If you need a quote for bulk quantities, contact the regional offices of HPCL, BPCL, or IOC directly, or make tender-based purchases through authorised dealers.
The GeM Portal is the most transparent and reliable channel for government contractors.
Disclaimer: The prices in this article are only estimates of the market prices in April 2026 and are not used to give specific advice.
Real-life purchase prices will be different depending on the market conditions, transportation, taxes, and dealer mark-ups.
Please check the existing rates with the help of the official channels prior to any purchase.
