Tupras sulfur tender sets record as Mediterranean supply remains tight

Turkish refiner Tupras awarded its August domestic sulfur tender at a record $849-$912 per metric ton FCA, an average increase of $153.50 per metric ton, or about 24%, from its June 23-24 tender. The sharp rise indicates that sulfur availability across Turkey and the wider Mediterranean market remains constrained.

Tupras sold 3,850 metric tons from its Izmir refinery at $909-$912 per metric ton, despite setting an initial floor price of $675. The Izmit refinery awarded 16,000 metric tons at $849-$852, while Kirikkale sold 2,600 metric tons at $876-$882. Individual lots ranged from 100 to 2,500 metric tons.

The increase follows Turkey’s sulfur export ban, approved in April for the second and third quarters of 2026, which redirected domestic refinery production away from overseas buyers. Mediterranean and North African consumers have also faced limited alternatives as Persian Gulf supplies remained disrupted by restrictions affecting shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Kuwait Petroleum raised its July sulfur price to a record $950 per metric ton. Turkey exported about 226,500 metric tons of sulfur in 2025, primarily to Egypt, Tanzania, Greece and Lebanon, leaving regional phosphate producers exposed to elevated feedstock costs into the fourth quarter.

Source: Argus Media