Gilsonite Price

Market Intelligence · 2026 Edition

Gilsonite Price Guide 2026
Per-Ton Rates, Grades & Market Factors

Gilsonite price in 2026 ranges from $560 to $600+ USD per metric ton FOB Mersin Turkey. This complete reference covers Iran natural bitumen pricing — from lump grades to fine powders, seasonal trends to application-specific costs.

📍 FOB Mersin pricing
📅 Updated June 2026
✅ All grades covered

Prices last reviewed: June 2026 — contact us for today’s exact rate

Gilsonite does not trade on a public exchange. Prices are negotiated based on grade, volume, packaging, and destination. Natural Bitumen (Gilsonite) pricing is strongly influenced by seasonal mine availability — making timing of purchase as important as grade selection.

Natural Bitumen Rates by Grade & Mesh Size JUN 2026

All major grades exported from Iran, from raw lump material to ultra-fine specialty powders:

Grade / Type	Mesh Size	Max Ash %	Main Application	Price (USD/MT)	Quality
Lump Gilsonite	— (unsized)	<15%	General / Resale	$560 – $600	Standard
Powder 20–40 Mesh	20–40	<15%	Asphalt / Construction	$560 – $600	Standard
Powder 80–120 Mesh	80–120	<15%	Drilling Fluid / Cementing	$570 – $610	Premium
Powder 200 Mesh	200	<15%	Inks / Paints / Coatings	$580 – $620	Premium
High-Purity Grade	100–200	<10%	Specialty Chemical / Foundry	$620 – $650+	Ultra Premium
Low-Grade (High Ash)	Mixed	15–20%	Basic Waterproofing	$530 – $550	Economy

* Prices are indicative FOB Bandar Abbas. Final price depends on volume, packaging, and payment terms.

What Determines Gilsonite Price?

Six primary variables drive natural bitumen pricing. Understanding them helps buyers plan procurement and avoid overpaying on spot purchases.

⚙️

Mesh Size & Fineness

Finer grinding (higher mesh) requires more processing. 200-mesh powder costs 60–80% more per ton than lump grades.

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Purity & Ash Content

Low-ash (<2%) grades for ink and paint price at a premium over high-ash construction-grade material.

🌧️

Seasonal Availability

Mines flood Oct–Mar. Supply tightens and prices rise 15–30%. April–September is the optimal buying window.

🛢️

Crude Oil & Bitumen Index

Gilsonite prices correlate loosely with crude oil and global bitumen benchmark prices.

📦

Packaging & MOQ

Jumbo bags (1 MT) are cheapest per-ton. Paper sacks add $15–$30/MT. 5+ FCL orders unlock volume pricing.

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Destination & Incoterms

FOB is the base. CFR/CIF add $30–$80/MT depending on destination port and current freight rates.

Seasonal Market Trends

Iran’s mines follow a predictable annual cycle. Plan procurement around this calendar to maximize value.

💡 Buyer’s Tip: Place orders between April and August for the lowest prices and most reliable supply. Avoid spot purchases in November–January when mine output halts and stockists control pricing.

Period	Mine Status	Supply Level	Relative Price	Recommendation
October – March	🌧️ Rainy / Flooded	Very Low	High (+15–30%)	⚠️ Avoid spot buying
March – April	⛅ Transition / Reopening	Moderate	Base Price	✅ Start purchasing
April – September	☀️ Dry Season / Full Op.	High	Low (−10–20%)	✅ Best time to buy

Pricing by Industry & Application

Each industry requires specific purity and particle size — which directly determines the price tier.

Application	Grade Required	Typical Mesh	Max Ash %	Est. Price (USD/MT)
🛣️ Road Asphalt / HMA	Standard Powder	20–40	10-15%	$560 – $600
⛽ Drilling Fluid (Oil & Gas)	Premium Powder	80–120	10-15%	$560 – $600
🏗️ Well Cementing	Premium Powder	80–100	5-15%	$560 – $600
🖨️ Printing Inks	Ultra-Fine Powder	200	2%	$750 – $800
🎨 Paints & Coatings	Ultra-Fine Powder	200	2%	$750 – $800
🏭 Foundry / Metal Casting	High-Purity Powder	100–200	0-5%	$750 – $800
🏠 Waterproofing Membranes	Standard / Lump	20–40 / Lump	10-20%	$530 – $550

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current price of Gilsonite per ton in 2026?

Gilsonite prices in 2026 range from $560 to $600+ USD per metric ton. Lump grades start around $500/MT while ultra-fine 200-mesh powder for printing inks can exceed $550/MT. Contact us for a live quote.

Why does Gilsonite price increase in winter?

Heavy rainfall and snowfall during winter months cause severe flooding in Gilsonite mines across the Middle East mining regions. Since most mines are open-pit or shallow tunnel operations, water accumulation makes extraction extremely difficult and dangerous. Mining output drops sharply — sometimes halting completely — from October through March. With supply constrained and stockpiles controlled by a small number of traders, prices typically rise 15–30% above summer rates. Buyers are strongly advised to secure supply between April and September when mines operate at full capacity and prices are most competitive..

What is the minimum order quantity (MOQ)?

RAHA Gilsonite works with buyers from 1 FCL (~20–25 MT) upward. Sample quantities are also available. Volume pricing applies for orders above 5 FCL/month.

Is Iranian Gilsonite the same quality as US Gilsonite (Utah)?

Both are natural bitumen with similar chemical properties. Iranian Gilsonite is significantly more cost-competitive. US Utah Gilsonite is priced at approximately $1,000–$1,200/short ton and primarily serves North America.

Does Gilsonite price follow crude oil prices?

Yes, loosely. However, seasonal mine availability is a stronger short-term pricing driver than oil markets for Iranian Gilsonite.

What packaging options are available?

Available in 25 kg paper sacks, 500 kg woven bags, and 1 MT jumbo bags. Jumbo bags offer the lowest cost per ton. Paper sacks add approximately $15–$30/MT.

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RAHA Gilsonite Co. · Dubai · Ankara · Isfahan · info@gilsoniteco.com