Petroleum Coke Market size was valued at USD 23.4 billion in 2024 and is anticipated to surpass USD 46.5 billion by 2037, expanding at a CAGR of 5.9% during the forecast timeline i.e. 2025-2037. In 2025, the industry size of petroleum coke is estimated at USD 24.7 billion.
Petroleum coke industry has witnessed expansion due to a variety of factors, including its crucial relevance in the global energy and industrial landscape. The industry has been compelled to look for cleaner combustions as a result of growing environmental regulations on greenhouse emissions. In addition, petroleum coke has a higher calorific value than traditional coal, which has increased its allure. For instance, in February 2022, Reliance Industries Ltd. repurposed a USD 300 billion plant converting petroleum coke into synthesis gas to utilize it for producing blue hydrogen at USD 1.2-1.5 a kilogram as it is considered the cleanest fuel. This aims to incorporate the contribution of petroleum coke in creating sustainable solutions, making it preferable for industries seeking neutrality.
Furthermore, petroleum coke is a crucial component of metallurgical processes in the steel industry and thus serves as another thriving sector in emerging economies for market expansion. The strategic place for petroleum coke in the supply chain and improvements in refining technologies have made it easier to access and use for a variety of purposes. For instance, in June 2022, Texas A&M University and ExxonMobil researched a sophisticated technique to recover petroleum coke into a viable sustainable high-value referent. This approach is funded by the ExxonMobil Chemical Company. Thus, given the economic, regulatory, and technological factors, the petroleum coke market is probably going to experience steady growth.
Growth Drivers
Challenges
Base Year |
2024 |
Forecast Year |
2025-2037 |
CAGR |
5.9% |
Base Year Market Size (2024) |
USD 23.4 billion |
Forecast Year Market Size (2037) |
USD 46.5 billion |
Regional Scope |
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Grade (Fuel Grade, Calcine Petroleum coke)
In petroleum coke market, fuel grade segment is projected to hold revenue share of more than 63.4% by 2037. The fuel grade is extensively used in power generation and industrial processes. For instance, in May 2023, Emirates Global Aluminium signed a non-binding agreement with British oil firm BP to study options for reducing the emissions of the company's calcined petroleum coke supply chain. With industries constantly looking for efficient and reliable fuel sources, superior combustion properties of fuel-grade petroleum coke make them preferable. For instance, in November 2024, according to a research nester report, more than 75% of Petroleum coke generated globally is classified as fuel-grade. Thus, the fuel-grade petroleum coke would serve a vital function for the production of energy.
Application (Power Plants, Cement Industry, Steel Industry, Aluminum Industry, Others)
The cement industry would be the largest consumer in the petroleum coke market with a surge throughout 2037. Due to its high calorific value and low ash content, petroleum coke is considered a suitable choice for cement manufacturers looking to optimize energy and reduce the cost of production. For instance, in September 2020, International Cement Review published that, 80% of the fuels used in cement kilns worldwide are conventional, with petcoke making up 40–45% of this total. In addition, enhanced infrastructure development and urbanization strengthen the requirement for petroleum coke as an essential fuel in cement kilns.
Our in-depth analysis of the global petroleum coke market includes the following segments:
Grade |
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Application |
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Physical Form |
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North America Market Statistics
In petroleum coke market, North America region is poised to hold over 30.5% share by the end of 2037. The uptake of petroleum coke in the region has been accelerated by the growing demand for residential spaces brought on by population growth. Furthermore, the petroleum coke industry needs to offer reasonably priced goods by strategizing to reduce operating expenses. In addition, the increasing advances in technologies research, and development efforts will propel the market.
The state-of-the-art facilities and refining capabilities of the U.S. ensure a steady supply of high-quality petroleum coke from the nation. The manufacturers aptly capitalize on the demand arising from developing economies. For instance, in November 2024, according to the data analyzed and published by the U.S. Census Bureau data, the average annual production of petroleum coke in the country remained unchanged (46 million tons) during 2014–2023. Furthermore, about 41 million tons of petroleum coke were exported from the US in 2023, which was marginally more than the 40 million tons that the country has exported on average over the previous years.
In Canada, the petroleum coke market landscape is influenced greatly due to the support of the local government. For instance, in March 2024, Ontario received USD 16.7 million from the local government to align with the goals of the federal Electricity Predevelopment Program by promoting the use of low-grade petroleum coke as a fuel for power plants. Under the initiative, electricity to up to 4,800,000 homes and businesses in Ontario could be provided. Thus, demand for petroleum coke for power generation may rise as a result of this action, which is a part of a larger initiative to improve energy security and sustainability in the area.
Asia Pacific Market Analysis
The Asia Pacific petroleum coke market is attributed to the growing industrialization, the presence of innumerable crude oil refineries, and steady economic growth are the main factors driving the growth. These factors have led to a high demand for energy and raw materials, including petroleum coke. Further increasing the product's use as a carbon source in the steel-making process is the region's expanding steel production brought on by extensive infrastructure development and construction.
To promote petroleum coke upscaling, the Government of India is expediting the permitting procedure for refineries and petroleum coke facilities. For instance, in September 2024, the government of India announced to give leeway in the import regulations for raw and calcined petroleum coke, increasing the range of permitted incoming shipments. The goal of the government's expanded import restrictions is to meet the growing demand for petroleum coke and guarantee a consistent supply for a range of industrial uses.
China's petroleum coke market is experiencing a significant upsurge owing to the extensive reach of the usage of petroleum coke across various industries. In addition, the import-export activities in the country are fostering market growth. For instance, the Observatory of Economic Complexity report revealed that China exported USD 1.71 billion in petroleum coke, ranking it as the 3rd biggest exporter of petroleum coke in the world making it the 33rd most exported product in China. In 2022, China imported USD 5.34 billion in petroleum coke, ranking it as the 1st biggest importer, making 66th most imported product in China.
The companies indulged in the petroleum coke market are representing a dynamic transition towards sustainable solutions to match the needs for energy efficiency. In addition, heavy investments are being made to revolutionize the competitive landscape. For instance, in November 2021, Oman, the largest crude exporter outside of Opec, announced that Sanvira Carbon FZC, the country's first petroleum coke calcining (CPC) project, had been completed at the Sohar Freezone. This project gathered an investment of USD 150 million. Thus, the growth trajectory in the petroleum coke market is soaring high, aligning with the changing requirements of the ecosystem.
Here's the list of some key players:
Author Credits: Rajrani Baghel
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