Chemicals News Today

RIL announced price hikes for its PE portfolio, effective March 25, 2026. HDPE and LLDPE increased by ₹7/kg, while most LDPE grades rose by ₹10/kg, with foam grades up ₹7/kg.

India boosts fertilizer availability for Kharif 2026, securing a 23% jump in urea gas supply. This proactive move addresses West Asia uncertainty, including Iran's output suspension and Qatar's damaged hub.

Middle East war disrupts polymer supplies to key export destinations. India's polymer prices surged 43%, and buyers face major shipment delays due to Strait of Hormuz disruptions.

Sinopec Shanghai Petrochemical reports wider chemical losses amid challenging market conditions. Its chemical business experienced sales drops and intensifying price pressure, expected to continue into 2025.

Yara's Australian ammonia plant, with a 726,000 mt/y capacity, will shut for up to six weeks due to technical issues. This temporary closure impacts production.

India launched an antidumping probe into phenol imports from 7 markets for Jan-Dec 2025. Domestic producers allege injury from dumped imports, citing price depression, profit declines, and cash losses, discouraging new investments.

European ethylene spot prices hit a €307.50/mt premium over contract prices in March (€1,452.50/mt vs €1,145/mt). Supply disruptions, cracker maintenance, and high feedstock costs caused this flip, with ~60,000 mt imports expected.

China's PP market became a net exporter in Q1 2026, driven by Middle East tensions disrupting supply chains. Imports fell 13.32% (Jan-Feb), while exports surged 30.33% to 534,500 tonnes, reshaping global trade flows and increasing China's influence.

BPCL commissioned its 2G bioethanol refinery in Bargarh, producing 100 KL/day from rice straw. This ZLD plant supports India's E20 blending, reduces emissions, and boosts rural incomes, achieved with 20 million LTA-free man-hours.

Asian FOB China acetic acid prices continue to rise, gaining $15/tonne and approaching $700/tonne, driven primarily by higher feedstock and operating costs rather than supply constraints. Despite China’s surplus capacity, feedstock tightness and cost pressures are supporting prices. Downstream markets, including ethyl acetate, are also witnessing price increases, as rising input costs are being passed through the value chain. Overall, the market remains cost-driven, with limited influence from excess supply in the current scenario.