China's alumina refiners are now considering raising spot offers in the near term on prevailing steady demand and limited spot supply, several refiner sources said Monday, December 1.

Market talk was that refiners had discussed and agreed to the hike in offers during a local industry event last week. But so far there has been no confirmed higher offers as of Monday.

"We heard about the plan to raise offers, but have not received any official notice on it yet, so we've not changed anything for now," a source from major Shanxi refiner Xinfa Group said.

"But it's very possible offers will rise in the short term, as reserves are low and demand is steady...our quotes now are still unchanged at Yuan 2,800/mt ($455/mt) cash minimum, and we might raise that to Yuan 2,900/mt," he added.�