According to WPB, Ukraine's imports of road-grade bitumen increased by 65% during the first ten months of 2026, reaching 262,000 metric tons compared with 159,000 tons in the corresponding period of 2025. The latest market figures, released on November 11, show an increase of 103,000 tons as road repair and maintenance activities accelerated following several years of disruption caused by the war. The recovery has also significantly changed Ukraine's import supply structure, with Romania overtaking Poland to become the country's largest bitumen supplier.
The increase in imports reflects renewed demand for materials used in road maintenance and rehabilitation. According to the Ukrainian consulting group A-95, road maintenance activities had been severely restricted for almost four years following Russia's full-scale invasion. The resulting deterioration of infrastructure has increased the need for repair work, particularly as road transportation has become more important amid disruptions affecting maritime and railway logistics.
Romania recorded the largest increase in bitumen shipments to Ukraine. Imports from Romania reached 107,000 tons between January and October 2026, compared with 22,000 tons during the same period last year. The increase of 85,000 tons represented growth of 386%, raising Romania's share of Ukraine's bitumen imports from 13.8% to approximately 40.8%.
Lithuania became the second-largest supplier, delivering 94,000 tons during the ten-month period, up from 38,000 tons in 2025. This represented an increase of 56,000 tons, or 147%, and lifted Lithuania's market share to approximately 35.9%. The growth strengthened the position of Baltic supply channels in Ukraine's road-grade bitumen market.
Poland experienced the opposite trend. Shipments from the country declined by 51%, falling from 94,000 tons in January–October 2025 to 46,000 tons during the corresponding period of 2026. Poland's share of Ukrainian imports consequently decreased from approximately 59.1% to 17.6%, marking a substantial change in the country's regional bitumen trade relationships.
Greece also increased its shipments to Ukraine, supplying 12,000 tons compared with 5,000 tons during the previous year's corresponding period, a rise of 140%. Other origins accounted for approximately 3,000 tons. Together, Romania, Lithuania, and Poland supplied 247,000 tons, representing approximately 94.3% of Ukraine's total bitumen imports during the first ten months of 2026.
Despite the strong cumulative growth, October recorded a slower pace of imports. Ukraine imported 20,000 tons of road-grade bitumen during the month, representing a 28% decrease from September and a 9% decline compared with October 2025. The reduction reflects the seasonal slowdown in road construction and maintenance activities as the main paving period approaches its end.
The geographical distribution of imports also narrowed in October. Ukraine received bitumen from only three countries, compared with five in September. Lithuania was the largest supplier during the month, shipping nearly 10,000 tons, down from approximately 13,000 tons in September. ORLEN Lietuva was the sole supplier of the Lithuanian-origin material.
Romanian shipments remained near the September level at approximately 9,000 tons in October. The largest volumes were supplied by Guven Asfalt, with around 4,000 tons, and OMV Petrom, with approximately 3,000 tons. These deliveries maintained Romania's important position in Ukraine's physical bitumen supply network.
Polish shipments recorded the sharpest monthly contraction, falling approximately threefold to 1,700 tons. Around 75% of the October volume from Poland was supplied by ORLEN. The reduction reinforced the broader decline in Poland's share of Ukrainian bitumen imports during 2026.
The number of Ukrainian importing companies also decreased in October, from 21 in September to 19. The two largest importers, AT Energo Trade and Agrodon Trade, each brought in approximately 8,000 tons. Martin Trade ranked third with around 1,000 tons. These figures show that a substantial share of October's imports was concentrated among a small number of buyers.
The different trends in cumulative and monthly imports highlight the seasonal character of Ukraine's bitumen market. The 65% increase over ten months reflects stronger purchasing requirements associated with infrastructure repairs, while October's decline indicates a slowdown as the main construction season ends. The monthly reduction does not erase the significant expansion in imports recorded during the year.
For European bitumen producers and distributors, the changes in Ukraine's sourcing pattern are particularly important. Romania's rise to the leading supplier position, Lithuania's strong growth, and Poland's reduced shipments demonstrate a major redistribution of regional trade volumes. The availability of refinery supply, established commercial relationships, and transport connections between supplier countries and Ukrainian destinations are central to this market.
Ukraine's increased reliance on road transportation also reinforces the importance of maintaining its road infrastructure. Damage and restrictions affecting other transportation networks have placed additional pressure on highways, strengthening the economic importance of road repairs and the materials required for asphalt production.
For the international bitumen industry, Ukraine's import performance provides a significant indication of demand linked to infrastructure rehabilitation in Eastern Europe. Road-grade bitumen remains an essential binder in asphalt mixtures used for highway maintenance, reconstruction, and rehabilitation. The latest trade figures show how sustained infrastructure requirements can reshape supply flows among neighboring European markets.
Ukraine's imports of 262,000 tons during January–October 2026 represent a substantial recovery from the previous year's level, even as purchasing volumes declined in October. Romania's emergence as the leading supplier and the growing role of Lithuania are among the most important changes in the market. These developments underscore Ukraine's significance for European bitumen trade and the continuing relationship between infrastructure repair requirements and regional supply patterns.
By WPB
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