Chemicals News Today

Acetic Acid prices have been increased by ₹1,500 per metric ton, effective January 13, 2026. This hike impacts the chemical industry.

Anqing Petrochemical has shut its polypropylene (PP) production unit, which has an annual capacity of 300,000 tons, effective January 9. The plant is expected to resume operations in late February. Meanwhile, polyethylene (HDPE/PE) supply has also been impacted. Between December 26, 2025 and January 8, 2026, scheduled maintenance activities led to an estimated production loss of around 180,900 tons, tightening near-term availability.

According to ICIS, China’s average acetic acid plant run rate declined in the week ended 9 January as supply tightened due to operational disruptions. Kingboard shut its No. 2 acetic acid unit, while Huayi Caojing reduced operating rates to around 50%. Although Henan Shunda and Zhejiang Petroleum & Chemical (ZPC) marginally increased utilisation, these gains were insufficient to offset broader cutbacks. As a result, the national average operating rate fell to 76%, down by four percentage points week-on-week, based on China’s total acetic acid capacity of 15.1 million tonnes per year.

India targets 73% domestic fertilizer self-sufficiency by 2025, driven by record production and new plant commissions. This push for self-reliance is supported by strategic deals amidst global market shifts.

BPCL will supply 42 MMSCM of RLNG to OPaL's Dahej petrochemical unit for one year, ensuring stable gas sourcing and supporting cleaner energy transition, with talks for longer-term collaboration.

Atomgrid secured $7M Pre-Series A funding (equity & debt) to build a global speciality chemicals platform. With over 50% revenue from exports to 15+ countries, it plans to expand R&D, tech, and supply chain, targeting 3x revenue growth.

US Simvastatin API market saw December price decline due to low demand, high stock, and conservative buying. Recovery is anticipated in Q1 2026, driven by restocking and renewed contracts, despite current weakness.

US Benzyl Chloride prices fell by nearly 10% in December due to high imports, elevated domestic inventories, and slow demand.

Essar Future Energy will invest Rs 5,100 crore to establish a 1 million tonnes per annum bio-fuel complex in Gujarat's Devbhumi Dwarka district. The project, targeting 350 jobs and 2029 operations, aims to decarbonize hard-to-abate sectors.

Acetic acid prices surged nearly 14% due to plant shutdowns and Lunar New Year holidays restricting shipments until March. Elevated import costs from INR depreciation and rising ethanol prices further increased conversion costs.