Bitumen Supply Africa is the backbone of road construction across the continent. Among the most important products are bitumen grades VG-30 (viscosity) and 60/70 (penetration), which are widely used for roads, highways, and major infrastructure projects. These grades are the main choice for contractors and government tenders, thanks to their reliability and strong performance in Africa’s climate.
The ports of Mombasa in Kenya (East Africa) and Lagos in Nigeria (West Africa) are the top entry hubs for direct bitumen supply to Africa. Demand is rising rapidly as new projects and urban development take off. Suppliers focus on direct delivery (CFR terms), guaranteeing that strict international standards are met for every shipment.
Bitumen grades VG-30 and 60/70 remain the backbone of Africa’s road construction market, with port demand concentrated at Mombasa and Lagos. This focus ensures the quality, durability, and cost-effectiveness of large-scale projects from local roads to major expressways.
Technical Review and Comparison of Bitumen Grades VG-30 and 60/70
Bitumen VG-30 (Viscosity Grade)
VG-30 is a viscosity-graded bitumen known for its high durability in extreme temperatures. This grade is defined by its minimum viscosity of 2400 Poises at 60°C. Because of its stable performance, VG-30 is especially suitable for heavy-traffic roads and industrial highways in Africa’s hot and variable climates. VG-30 complies with international standards like IS 73-2006 and ASTM D4402.
Typical Specifications for VG-30:
| Property | Value | Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Absolute Viscosity (60°C, Poise) | Min 2400 | IS 1206(2), ASTM D4402 |
| Penetration (25°C, dmm) | 50–70 | IS 1203, ASTM D5 |
| Softening Point (°C) | Min 47 | IS 1205, ASTM D36 |
| Flash Point (°C) | Min 220 | IS 1209, ASTM D93 |
| Solubility in Trichloroethylene (%) | Min 99 | IS 1216, ASTM D2042 |
| Ductility (25°C, cm) | Min 40 | IS 1208, ASTM D113 |
VG-30 delivers excellent performance under heavy loads and in regions exposed to intense sun and heat. Its international certifications mean African construction companies can trust its quality for major highway and airport projects.
Bitumen 60/70 (Penetration Grade)
Bitumen 60/70 is a penetration-grade product, meaning it is measured by how far a standard needle penetrates the sample at 25°C (with accepted values between 60 and 70 dmm). Certified by ASTM D36, ASTM D70, and KS/EAS 179, 60/70 is widely used on general roads, provincial highways, and areas with moderate climates and medium traffic.
Typical Specifications for 60/70:
| Property | Value | Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Softening Point (°C) | 49–56 | ASTM D36 |
| Flash Point (°C) | 250 | – |
| Density | 1.0344 | ASTM D70 |
Bitumen 60/70 is favored for its balance between flexibility and resistance, making it the top choice for road surfacing in most of Nigeria and regions across East Africa.
Technical Comparison Table
| Feature / Grade | Bitumen 60/70 (Penetration) | Bitumen VG-30 (Viscosity) |
|---|---|---|
| Grading Criteria | Penetration | Viscosity |
| Test Method | Penetration Test | Viscosity Test |
| Temperature Response | Moderate, temperature-sensitive | Superior performance at heat |
| Suitable Regions | Temperate & moderate climate | Hot & variable climate |
| Road Type | General, provincial, airports | Expressways, heavy duty highways |
| IS Equivalent | Equivalent to VG-30 (India) | – |
Regional Standards and Import Requirements
Kenya (Mombasa)
In Kenya, strict rules ensure all bitumen imports meet set quality standards. The main authorities are the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA), and the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA). For every bitumen shipment to Mombasa, several documents are mandatory.
Importers must secure a Pre-export Verification of Conformity (PVoC) certificate, which checks quality at the source before shipping. A third-party test report from an accredited international lab is also needed. Other key requirements include an import license from the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), an EPRA import permit, and registration through the electronic IDF form in Kenya’s Simba system. Documents must then be submitted for customs clearance.
Quality control covers penetration, viscosity, softening point, ductility, flash point, and—if required—extra site-specific analysis. Only products conforming to KS EAS 179 or ASTM D946 standards are accepted at the port.
Since 2025, bitumen imports must use Kipevu or Shimanzi terminals, and all shipments go through an Open Tendering System for transparency and compliance with Kenyan law.
Nigeria (Lagos)
Nigeria relies on the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and its SONCAP program for all bitumen imports. The process begins with e-Form “M” registration, which clears the way for the import licensing. Every shipment must have a Product Certificate (PC) and SONCAP Certificate, which prove that the goods passed physical and chemical lab checks and meet local bitumen and asphalt standards.
Upon arrival at Lagos port, further in-field testing may be required. While Nigeria is building its domestic bitumen production, imports remain essential for major construction needs, with compliance and documentation still the most important factors in Lagos operations.
Logistics Requirements and Port Regulations
Mombasa Port (Kenya)
Mombasa is the main port for bitumen supply in East Africa. The city’s Kipevu and Shimanzi terminals are dedicated to bulk and drum bitumen imports. All shipments must be properly packaged—mainly in new steel drums or ISO-certified tanks—according to KEBS rules.
Logistics in Mombasa focus on efficiency, but delays can occur if paperwork is incomplete or if shipments do not meet the required standards. Clearance requires all documents (PVoC, test reports) to be ready on arrival. After clearance, random re-testing by authorities can slow down release, especially if there are any mismatches between declared and tested results.
Bitumen importers in Africa must also plan for tanker shortages during busy seasons. Proper coordination with local agents and customs is key to avoiding additional storage fees or shipment seizure. Following the correct process for PVoC and port entry prevents most legal and operational risks.
Lagos Port (Nigeria)
Lagos port handles the largest share of bitumen imports in West Africa. Every batch must have a Product Certificate and SONCAP Certificate, following strict Nigerian regulations. The importer or exporter needs to coordinate with SON-designated inspection labs well before arrival. Incorrect, unauthorized, or incomplete documents may result in cargo confiscation.
SON inspectors can order extra checks and tests at the Lagos port. For speedy customs clearance, the advance submission of complete documentation, local representation, and shipment filing through official channels are strongly advised.
Iran: Direct Export and Flexible Solutions
Iran continues to be one of the most important players in Bitumen Supply Africa, particularly for VG-30 and 60/70 grades. The country’s refineries, especially those connected to the National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC), are recognized for their consistent product quality and ability to supply large volumes for African markets.
Iranian exporters provide direct shipment options (FOB, CFR, CIF) and often offer flexible payment terms, making them attractive partners for buyers across Mombasa and Lagos. Independent SGS inspection is commonly used to reassure buyers about technical compliance, and Iranian drums are generally accepted at both ports with minimal re-testing. Direct communication channels—including WhatsApp and dedicated sales staff—help reduce lead times and resolve documentation questions quickly.
Conclusion
Bitumen Supply Africa has evolved from a fragmented market into a dynamic, regulated environment centered on efficiency, quality, and strategic supply links. Mombasa and Lagos stand as the continent’s critical entry points, with demand for VG-30 and 60/70 steadily rising alongside road and infrastructure investment. Successful suppliers—especially those from Iran, including Petro Sepidar Sadr Company, as well as partners in the UAE and India—thrive by offering not just competitive pricing but also deep regulatory expertise, responsive logistics, and robust compliance with both Kenyan and Nigerian standards.
Looking ahead, continued growth in road construction, tightening import regulations, and efforts toward local production (in places like Nigeria) will shape the future of bitumen supply. For buyers, the key will be choosing partners such as Petro Sepidar Sadr Company who can guarantee consistent quality, documentation accuracy, and adaptability to evolving requirements across the region.
With its clear advantages for both established and emerging players, and with experienced exporters like Petro Sepidar Sadr Company actively engaged in the market, Bitumen Supply Africa promises to remain at the heart of the continent’s development story for years to come.
Contact Petro Sepidar Sadr Company
Are you ready to secure a reliable supply of high-quality bitumen? Don’t let fluctuating markets or unreliable suppliers delay your projects.
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- Office Phone: +98 21 8280 1134
- Mobile / WhatsApp: +98 919 202 2084
- Email: info@pssoil.com
- Headquarters Address: No. 2609, Soltani Street, Opposite Mellat Park, Valiasr Street, Tehran, Iran.
