Chemicals News Today

Indian chemical markets remain mixed, with firm crude and elevated feedstock costs supporting methanol, acetic acid and aromatics, while selective downstream buying limits broader price gains. Brent recovered to around $101/bbl on September 22 after a four-session decline, keeping near-term cost pressure elevated but improved Hormuz flows and potential US-Iran talks are capping upside risk.

Formosa Chemicals and Fibre Corp. stock benefited from rising PTA and petrochemical prices on September 21, 2026, amid a broader market gain of 1.14 percent on the Taiwan Stock Exchange.

BASF advances its feasibility study for a potential MDI production complex in Gujarat to meet surging domestic polyurethane demand, securing industrial land as part of its local expansion strategy.

While India advances in renewable energy and meets climate goals, addressing its massive plastic waste challenge remains a crucial test for balancing rapid development with true environmental sustainability.

During September 11-17, 2026, China's methanol industry chain prices rose, driven by supportive supply-demand fundamentals and gains in downstream products.

In August, China's paraxylene imports rose 15.34% month-on-month to 591,200 tonnes due to unit restarts and better demand, but plunged 32.51% year-on-year amid Asian supply disruptions.

The EU introduced standardized rules for chemically recycled PET in beverage bottles, establishing mass balance accounting, fuel exclusions, and traceability to boost advanced recycling investments.

Shree Pushkar Chemicals & Fertiliser has successfully expanded its annual dyes production capacity by 6,000 metric tons at its manufacturing facility located in Ratnagiri.

The war on Iran exposed vulnerabilities in the global plastics supply chain, causing soaring petrochemical costs, supply shortages, and price hikes for everyday goods, highlighting the urgent need for a Global Plastics Treaty.

The Agro Chem Federation of India has proposed a Rs 5,000-7,000 crore government scheme to build self-reliance in agrochemicals, reduce China dependence, and boost domestic manufacturing over seven to eight years.