Asphalt: paving the way to development

Journal Article · Wed Feb 22 04:00:00 EST 1984 · Energy Detente; (United States)

OSTI ID:5252886

Synthetic asphalt (extracted from the residual-fuel output of refineries as opposed to naturally occurring Gilsonite) is priced below that of the original barrel of crude in many countries; in such circumstances, it is virtually a waste product. Energy planners recognize the illogic of allowing any vital, nonrenewable natural resource such as petroleum to generate any unnecessary waste. Coking units, such as the US $1.2-billion unit at Pascagoula, MS, convert the resid end of the barrel to gasoline, distillates, and coke, virtually eliminating the former waste. Although asphalt is an integral part of a country's national transportation system, and therefore of infrastructure and economic well-being, its constructive use still must surmount its traditional position as a mere by-product of refining. Asphalt's value also goes to motor-fuel efficiency, and the effects of highway conditions on vehicles. Poor roads waste fuel not only in driving, but in burning of fuel to heat and transport asphalt when repairs must be frequent. Since the finding cost alone of new oil in oil-producing countries is in the area of US $14 per barrel, it is probable that asphalt prices will eventually rise. Domestic asphalt prices in 23 nations are compared. Lowest prices are found in oil-exporting, developing countries; highest prices are usually found in oil-importing countries, whether industrialized or not. This issue presents the fuel price/tax series and the industrial fuel prices for February for countries of the Western Hemisphere.

• OSTI ID: 5252886
• Journal Information: Energy Detente; (United States), Journal Name: Energy Detente; (United States) Vol. 5:4; ISSN EDETD
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English and Spanish

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
020500* -- Petroleum-- Products & By-Products
29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
294002 -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Petroleum
ASPHALTS
BITUMENS
CARBONACEOUS MATERIALS
COAL
DATA
ENERGY SOURCES
FLUIDS
FOSSIL FUELS
FUEL GAS
FUELS
GAS FUELS
GASES
INDUSTRIAL PLANTS
INFORMATION
MATERIALS
NATURAL GAS
NORTH AMERICA
NUMERICAL DATA
OIL-EXPORTING COUNTRIES
OIL-IMPORTING COUNTRIES
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
OTHER ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
PETROLEUM PRODUCTS
PETROLEUM REFINERIES
PRICES
PRODUCTION
STATISTICAL DATA
SYNTHETIC MATERIALS
TAR
TAXES
USA