[The game between rigid demand and high prices in peak season, low asphalt inventory continues] September 18th, driven by the rise in international crude oil prices, the cost side has formed a strong support, coupled with the concentrated release of rigid demand in the traditional domestic construction peak season, factory and social inventories have been accelerated simultaneously, and the spot price of asphalt has taken advantage of the trend to set a new high in the stage. From the demand side, September has entered the traditional peak season for road construction. The construction of projects in many places in the north has been accelerated, and the pre-existing projects have been rushed to completion. The rigid procurement of terminals has formed a basic support for the asphalt market. In terms of inventory, as of September 17, the inventory of domestic asphalt manufacturers was 451,000 tons, a month-on-month decrease of 9.6%, and a year-on-year decrease of 33.6%; social inventory was 569,000 tons, a month-on-month decrease of 13.5%, and a year-on-year decrease of 64.5%. Factory warehouses and social inventories continue to be destocked simultaneously, and the absolute value of inventories is at the lowest level in the past five years. In the short term, factory and trader inventories are expected to continue to decline, and the low inventory pattern is difficult to reverse quickly, which will provide positive support for asphalt spot prices. (Longzhong Information)