Chemicals News Today

India's first port-based e-Methanol plant, a ₹1,200 crore project by APL and DPA, is planned at Kandla Port, Gujarat. It targets 150 TPD production, creating 3,500 jobs, boosting clean energy and green shipping.

Assam Petro-Chemicals and Deendayal Port will invest over Rs 1,200 crore to build a 150 TPD e-methanol plant at Kandla Port, Gujarat, creating 3,500 jobs. This facility aims to produce green marine fuels.

Vadodara traders welcome the India-EU FTA, anticipating export growth in engineering, chemicals, pharma, and textiles. They urge the Union Budget for tax relief, GST simplification, easier MSME loans, and infrastructure improvements.

LDPE prices rose across Asia this week. Far East Asia saw USD 925-990/mt, South East Asia USD 1000-1040/mt, and India USD 1040-1060/mt, all up by USD 10-20/mt, driven by tight supply and upstream sentiment.

EU and India sealed a free trade agreement on January 29, 2026, opening opportunities for Indian chemical, plastics, and pharma sectors. India secured zero duty on 97.5% of chemical exports.

Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) has introduced its domestic Polypropylene (PP) incentive scheme for January 2026, offering additional benefits based on higher lifting volumes against the annualised APR quantity. Customers lifting more than 8% of their annualised APR quantity will receive an incentive of ₹0.50 per kg, while those lifting above 10% will be eligible for a higher incentive of ₹1.00 per kg. The scheme aims to encourage bulk procurement and improve offtake volumes during the month.

Deepak Fertilisers reported a quarterly profit decline, attributing it to softer chemical demand and elevated operational costs. The company faced challenges from market conditions and increased expenses.

Europe's chemical sector faces pressure from high costs and Chinese oversupply. Forced labor allegations in Xinjiang, including in chemical plants, raise ethical concerns. European production declined (UK 30%, Germany 18%). An EU import ban takes effect in 2027.

Motul India showcased advanced lubrication for EVs, alternative fuels, and hydrogen ICEs at SIAT Expo 2026. They plan new two-wheeler oils and fork oils, experiencing robust double-digit growth in India, a key market for the French giant.

US propylene prices surged 14.3% in January 2026 due to rising crude oil and propane costs, geopolitical tensions, and supply disruptions from plant outages. Strong automotive demand, making up 29% of polypropylene use, also contributed.