沥青：开工率回落，9月排产增，空单暂止盈

Supply Side - The asphalt operating rate decreased by 1.2 percentage points week-on-week to 28.1%, which is 3.8 percentage points higher than the same period last year, continuing to decline and remaining at a relatively low level compared to recent years [1] - Domestic asphalt production in September is expected to be 2.686 million tons, an increase of 273,000 tons month-on-month, representing an 11.3% increase, and a year-on-year increase of 683,000 tons, or 34.1% [1] Demand Side - The operating rates in most downstream industries for asphalt decreased last week, with road asphalt operating rate dropping by 0.83 percentage points to 27.5%, reaching the lowest level in recent years, constrained by funding and adverse weather conditions in some regions [1] - National shipment volume decreased by 0.11% week-on-week to 263,500 tons, remaining at a neutral to low level [1] Inventory - Asphalt refinery inventory decreased compared to last week but is still at the lowest level for the same period in recent years [1] Industry Dynamics - Chevron has been allowed to resume oil extraction in Venezuela, which may reduce the discount for China to purchase asphalt raw materials [1] - This week, Dongming Petrochemical and other facilities plan to switch to asphalt production, with improved weather in the south supporting demand, while heavy rainfall in some northern regions and funding constraints lead to cautious market sentiment [1] - OPEC+ plans to increase production by 137,000 barrels per day in October, gradually lifting the secondary production limit of 1.65 million barrels per day, with recent significant declines in crude oil futures prices weakening cost support for asphalt [1] Market Recommendation - Given the weak supply and demand for asphalt, and the futures price having dropped to the lower end of the fluctuation range, it is recommended to temporarily take profits and exit short positions [1] Futures Market - Today, the asphalt futures contract 2511 rose by 0.88% to 3,450 yuan/ton, remaining above the 5-day moving average, with a minimum price of 3,421 yuan/ton and a maximum price of 3,457 yuan/ton, while open interest increased by 2,860 to 244,770 contracts [1] - In terms of basis, the mainstream market price in Shandong has risen to 3,530 yuan/ton, while the basis for asphalt contract 11 has dropped to 80 yuan/ton, remaining at a neutral to high level [1]