Highlights & Key Sections
Bitumen Supplier For Libya
Petro Naft is a trusted bitumen supplier for Libya, providing high-quality products that meet international specifications such as AASHTO, ASTM, and EN standards. With established supply chains through major Libyan ports like Tripoli, Misrata, and Benghazi, Petro Naft delivers bitumen solutions tailored to Libya’s diverse climate conditions and infrastructure needs, including coastal urban roads and desert highways (Libyan Ports Company).
Why Libya’s Climate Demands Careful Binder Selection
Libya experiences extreme summer temperatures, especially in its desert regions. Tripoli averages 35°C (95°F) in summer, while desert highways see much higher temperatures, combined with sand abrasion and intense UV exposure (World Bank Climate Data). These factors accelerate pavement aging, oxidation, and rutting.
The Superpave Performance Grade (PG) system matches binder choice to pavement temperature extremes:
PG 70-10 for coastal roads
PG 76-10 for desert highways
PG 82-10 for the hottest regions
According to recent research, PG 76-10 covers most desert corridors, ensuring resistance to rutting and oxidation (FHWA Superpave Binder Guide).
FAQ — What does PG 76-10 mean?
A: It is a binder engineered to resist rutting up to a 7-day average pavement temperature of 76°C, with low-temperature performance down to −10°C (AASHTO M 320).
Commonly Used Binders in Libya
Studies confirm that Penetration 60/70 is the most widely used paving grade in Libya. However, for high-load or desert conditions, polymer-modified bitumen (PMB) or higher PG binders significantly improve road longevity (Libyan Asphalt Research, 2025).
| Region | Conditions | Recommended Binder | Example Product |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coastal Cities (Tripoli, Benghazi) | High heat, moderate cooling at night | PG 70-10, Penetration 60/70 | Penetration Bitumen 60/70 |
| Desert Highways | Extreme heat, rutting risk | PG 76-10, PG 82-10, PMB | Polymer-Modified Bitumen |
| Urban Overlays | Heavy traffic, shear loads | PG 76-10, CRMB | Crumb Rubber Modified Bitumen |
| Maintenance | VOC compliance, tack & prime | Emulsions (CSS-1, CRS-2, SS-1h) | Cationic Emulsion CSS-1 |
FAQ — Is Penetration 60/70 enough for desert roads?
A: It’s acceptable for some areas, but PG 76-10 or PMB is preferred for desert highways to prevent rutting under heavy traffic.
Petro Naft’s Product Portfolio for Libya
Petro Naft supplies a complete range of bitumen products for various applications:
1. Penetration Grades (EN 12591 / ASTM D946)
60/70, 85/100, 200/300
2. Performance Grade (PG) Binders (AASHTO M 320)
PG 70-10, PG 76-10, PG 82-10
3. Viscosity Grades (VG)
VG-10, VG-20, VG-30, VG-40
4. Oxidized (Blown) Bitumen
115/15, 95/25, 85/25 — used for industrial and waterproofing applications
5. Cutback Bitumen (ASTM D2026-D2028)
MC-30, MC-70, MC-250, MC-800, MC-3000
RC-30, RC-70, RC-250
6. Bitumen Emulsions (ASTM D2397 / AASHTO M 208)
Cationic: CSS-1, CRS-1, CRS-2, CMS-2
Anionic: SS-1, RS-1, RS-2, QS-1h
Quality Control and Standards Compliance
Each shipment includes a Certificate of Analysis (COA) with results aligned to Libyan specifications:
Penetration Test – ASTM D5
Softening Point – ASTM D36
PG Testing – AASHTO M 320 (DSR, BBR)
European Standards – EN 12591 for paving grades
This ensures every product meets international road construction requirements (ASTM Standards).
FAQ — Can Petro Naft match local tender specs?
A: Yes, Petro Naft cross-references Libyan tenders with ASTM, EN, and AASHTO standards before production.
Libya’s Bitumen Market Overview
Despite being an oil-producing country, Libya imports significant volumes of petroleum bitumen under HS 271320. In 2023, global exports to Libya totaled 10,520 metric tons, valued at $4.5 million (UN Comtrade Data).
Infrastructure projects, such as the reopening of the coastal highway connecting Tripoli, Misrata, and Benghazi, have boosted demand for road construction materials (Reuters News).
FAQ — Why does Libya import bitumen despite local refineries?
A: Local production does not meet the specific quality and quantity needed for infrastructure projects.
Shipping Logistics to Libya
Primary Entry Ports:
Tripoli Port – Largest and busiest facility.
Misrata Port (Qasr Ahmed) – Deep draft, modern cargo handling.
Benghazi Port – Suitable for smaller vessels and regional supply.
Packaging Options:
Bulk in heated tankers
New steel drums
Meltable poly bags (for oxidized grades)
Safety Classification:
Shipped under UN 3257, Class 9, PG III — Elevated Temperature Liquid, N.O.S. (IMDG Code).
Step-by-Step Binder Selection Guide
Identify climate conditions using pavement temperature maps.
Determine PG target (e.g., PG 76-10 for desert roads).
Choose binder family: Penetration, PG, or PMB.
Run lab verification per AASHTO and ASTM methods.
Select tack/prime emulsion grades.
Plan logistics — choose port, packaging, and Incoterms (ICC Guidelines).
Why Emulsions Are Preferred Over Cutbacks
Environmental compliance: Emulsions emit fewer VOCs.
Safer handling: Non-flammable at ambient temperatures.
Regulatory trends: Many governments restrict cutbacks during warm seasons (U.S. EPA Documentation).
FAQ — Are emulsions accepted by Libyan authorities?
A: Yes, emulsions like CSS-1 and CRS-2 are included in standard specifications.
Final Checklist for Buyers
Determine climate zone and pavement temps.
Select PG or penetration grade accordingly.
Specify emulsions for tack and prime coats.
Verify test results (COA, lab certifications).
Finalize Incoterms and shipment route.
Ensure compliance with UN 3257 transport rules.
FAQs
What is Libya’s main bitumen import code?
HS 271320 — Petroleum bitumen (UN Comtrade).Most common paving grade in Libya?
Penetration 60/70 (ScienceDirect Research).Best PG grade for desert highways?
PG 76-10 (FHWA Superpave Guide).How to verify a PG binder?
By testing per AASHTO M 320 (DSR and BBR tests).Are emulsions regulated internationally?
Yes, ASTM D2397/D977 and AASHTO M 208/M 140 define them.Why limit cutbacks?
To reduce VOC emissions (EPA Guidelines).Key Libyan import ports?
Tripoli, Misrata, Benghazi (Libyan Ports Company).Transport classification for hot bitumen?
UN 3257, Class 9, PG III (IMDG Code).Effect of subsidies on logistics?
Energy subsidies influence transport costs (IMF Libya Energy Report).Standard lab tests for Pen 60/70?
ASTM D5 (Penetration), ASTM D36 (Softening Point), EN 12591.
Sources
Prepared by the PetroNaft Co. research team.