On January 5th, the starting price of Dongming 70#A asphalt was raised by 50 to 3,010 RMB/ton, with the auction scheduled for 10:30 AM (settlement based on the actual auction price). A 3 million tons/year atmospheric and vacuum distillation unit was shut down for maintenance, reducing daily production by approximately 3,000–4,000 tons. Currently, shipments are proceeding normally.

PriceSeek's analysis of asphalt: Bull-bear score: 1.5. The starting price increase of 50 RMB/ton to 3,010 RMB/ton indicates suppliers' bullish expectations, reinforcing confidence in the spot market. The shutdown of a 3 million tons/year atmospheric and vacuum distillation unit for maintenance has reduced daily production by 3,000–4,000 tons, tightening supply and directly benefiting spot prices. However, the current normal shipments are mitigating the short-term impact.

In the futures market, considering recent contract data (e.g., the 2601 contract closing at 2,979 RMB), the expectation of reduced supply may reverse the downward trend, boosting the prices of near-month contracts and fostering a positive market sentiment.