Market News Today

Methanol prices remained firm but volatile during August as the Chinese market showed signs of recovery following July’s correction. Supply uncertainty, plant maintenance, lower inventories and Middle East geopolitical risks supported prices, while seasonal downstream weakness and higher imports limited upside. Indian prices remained elevated amid cautious buying and replacement-cost pressures.

TMT steel prices strengthened across major Indian markets as improving primary-market demand, tight distributor inventories, maintenance-related supply constraints, and rising fuel costs supported seller confidence. With mills carrying substantial order backlogs and buyers actively seeking additional volumes, market sentiment remains firm, keeping prices elevated and supply availability constrained in the near term.

Authorities raided three warehouses, seizing 5,000 kg of raw bananas and harmful chemicals used for illegal artificial ripening, posing severe public health risks.

Bhubaneswar MP reviewed 18 development projects with the Chief Minister, noting progress on 11 initiatives including a metro rail plan, modern wholesale fish market, and temple development to improve public amenities.

Volkswagen aims to double down on India, targeting sub-4-metre SUVs and local partnerships to boost its sub-3% market share, while leveraging India as a cost-efficient export hub.

The global coking coal market faces short-term volatility due to Chinese mine safety inspections and steel output dips. Meanwhile, Indian crude steel production is expected to rise 9.3% in 2026.

Raw and white sugar futures on ICE hit over one-year highs on Thursday due to concerns over potential El Nino production cuts and India potentially entering the import market.

U.S. exporters reported strong new-crop sales for corn and soybeans during the week ending August 13, with total commitments significantly surpassing levels from the previous year.

India's clean energy capacity has reached 331.7 GW, surpassing fossil fuels at 302.0 GW for the first time. Solar capacity surged to 211 GW, driving a historic shift in the power sector.

Crude oil futures rose, with Brent at $92.04 and WTI at $84.64, after the UAE suspended economic ties with Iran following a missile threat. US commercial inventories also increased by 4.4 million barrels.