Chemicals News Today

Polypropylene (PP) deemed prices have been revised upward by ₹1,500 per metric tonne across all sectors, effective 16 January 2026.

L&T Onshore secured a large order from Petronet LNG for India's first integrated petrochemical complex at Dahej. It includes 170,000 m³ LNG/Ethane and 140,000 m³ Propane storage tanks, aligning with Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

L&T secured a 'large' Rs 2,500-5,000 crore order from Petronet LNG for 170,000 cubic metre LNG/Ethane and 140,000 cubic metre Propane storage tanks at Gujarat's Dahej complex, boosting polypropylene production.

Singapore's Dec petrochemical exports dropped 18.3% to S$874.4M, marking the 10th consecutive decline. Overall NODX grew 6.1%, with full-year growth at 4.8%. Electronics shipments rose 24.9%, while non-electronics grew 0.8%.

On Jan 16, battery-grade nickel sulphate prices held steady at 33,393 yuan/mt (range 32,700-34,500 yuan/mt) due to high immediate production costs. Despite nickel price corrections, weak trading sentiment persists, with some demand adopting a wait-and-see approach.

RM Drip expands capacity by 50% with a new 12,000 MTPA plant in Nashik, Maharashtra, via its subsidiary. This strategic move aims to boost growth, efficiency, and market presence in irrigation, infrastructure, and industrial segments.

Zinc oxide operating rates fell 1.37% WoW to 55.88% due to high zinc prices and post-holiday production halts impacting SMEs. Demand for rubber/ceramic grades weakened. A rise to 57.18% is expected next week.

RM Drip and Sprinklers Systems expands manufacturing in Nashik, Maharashtra, boosting capacity by 50% (12,000 tonnes/annum). This broadens product mix for irrigation, infrastructure, and industrial markets, aligning with rising demand and policy support.

China will abolish export VAT rebates on photovoltaic products, batteries, and several related chemicals—including methanol, ethylene glycol (EG), PVC, and BDO—from 1 April 2026, according to a joint announcement by the Ministry of Finance and the State Taxation Administration. Solar product rebates of up to 13% will be fully removed, while battery rebates will be cut to 6% from 9%, with a complete phase-out by January 2027. The move aims to curb overcapacity and ease trade tensions, likely driving near-term export frontloading and higher prices due to increased costs.

Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. (IOCL) has announced its ex-Panipat price revision effective from 10 January to 16 January 2026. PTA (Purified Terephthalic Acid) is priced at ₹75,500/MT, marking an increase of ₹300/MT. MEG (Mono Ethylene Glycol) remains unchanged at ₹50,400/MT. DEG (Diethylene Glycol) has been raised sharply to ₹44,800/MT, reflecting an increase of ₹3,800/MT.