Downstream demand drives low-sulfur petcoke prices higher in China

Lower electricity costs during the Q3 wet season drove high operating rates in anode material and electrolytic aluminum production, boosting low-sulfur petcoke demand. Prices rebounded from June lows, rising Yuan 280-750/t by August 7. Anode material operating rate climbed to 83.03% in July, while electrolytic aluminum output held at 3.70-3.85 million tonnes per month throughout 2026, and low-sulfur petcoke prices are expected to rise Yuan 100-300/t in August.

After sharp fluctuations in Q1-Q2, China's low-sulfur petcoke market rebounded strongly in July, with prices rising Yuan 280-750/tonne by August 7. The rally was driven by downstream demand. China Low-sulfur Petcoke Price, 2026 (Unit: Yuan/t) Source: OilChem The traditional Q3 "wet season" brings lower electricity costs, pushing anode material and electrolytic aluminum