Chemicals News Today

India and the US are strengthening cooperation to curb precursor chemicals used in synthetic drugs. India expanded its controlled list to 45 chemicals following major illicit seizures.

India has withheld regulatory approval for Syngenta's S-metolachlor herbicide over cancer and groundwater contamination concerns, demanding robust scientific safety proof before allowing its market entry.

Epsilon Carbon has become India's first BIS-certified carbon black manufacturer, reinforcing its commitment to product quality, manufacturing consistency, and compliance for domestic and international markets.

Norsk Hydro cut alumina production at its Alunorte refinery due to natural gas disruptions, anticipating a Q3 financial impact of US$75 million to US$100 million and highlighting global supply chain risks.

High oil prices boosted China's coal-to-chemicals industry, driving strong profits as companies replaced expensive crude with cheaper coal to produce olefins, fertilizers, and petrochemicals amidst Middle East supply disruptions.

Asia's petrochemical markets face supply strain and rising prices in August due to feedstock disruptions and high naphtha costs, though downstream demand remains subdued across the region.

The global polymeric grinding aid market is projected to reach a 155 index by 2035, growing at a 4.8% CAGR driven by declining ore grades and energy-efficient grinding demands in cement and mining sectors.

Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) has announced a price revision across its polymer portfolio, effective August 13, 2026. Under the latest update, the price for LD EC grades has been revised upward by ₹3,000 per metric ton (MT). Prices for all other HDPE, LLDPE, and LDPE grades remain unchanged, rolling over from the previous pricing period, while PVC prices are revised up by ₹1000/mt.

Indonesia's multibillion-dollar petrochemical boom, backed by new Chinese and South Korean investments, risks increasing carbon emissions and complicating the nation's 2060 net-zero climate goals amid decarbonisation challenges.

GNFC has restarted its Gujarat acetic acid plant following a three-month shutdown caused by high methanol costs. The restart comes as Chinese typhoons disrupt shipments and drive up prices.