Chemicals News Today

The Korea Petrochemical Industry Association, representing 33 companies, vows to stabilize the domestic supply chain of essential materials like naphtha, ethylene, and propylene, cooperating with government policy amid Middle East instability.

The Indian chemicals market witnessed broad-based softening this week, with the category average price declining <strong>3.60% week-on-week</strong> to ₹153.88/KG, driven by sharp corrections in Methanol (-16.42%), Phenol (-11.43%), and Acetic Acid (-6.45%). Weak demand sentiment, cautious buying behaviour, and easing import costs — particularly from Asian suppliers — pulled prices lower across key petrochemical-linked solvents. Despite month-on-month gains in several products like N-Butanol (+32.35%) and MEK (+75.00%), the near-term trajectory points toward consolidation as buyers remain on the sidelines amid global trade uncertainty.

Delhi forest department withdrew a tender for anti-termite treatment in Central Ridge, which involved toxic chemicals like chlorpyriphos 20% EC and lindane 20% EC (5 ml per plant). This decision follows concerns over ecological harm, promoting eco-friendly practices instead.

LPG (Rs 920-950/14.2kg) dominates Indian kitchens due to availability and efficiency. Domestic PNG (LNG) is 15-20% cheaper and safer, but less available. Global energy crunch impacts prices.

India faces fertiliser dependence, highlighted by a 2026 Iran crisis causing a 2 million-tonne urea shortfall and 2022's Rs 2 lakh crore subsidy. Structural reliance on imported inputs from geopolitically concentrated regions necessitates urgent policy shifts and domestic alternatives.

Blending 20% DME with LPG could cut India's annual imports by 6.3 million tonnes, saving $4.04 billion. This coal-derived, clean fuel offers a solution to import woes, with clearer policies needed to boost domestic production.

Nepal will procure 150,000 metric tons of chemical fertilizers (100k urea, 50k other) from India via a G2G deal, addressing West Asia supply disruptions. India responded positively.

India's March LPG consumption plunged 13% due to West Asia conflict, despite domestic output surging 25%. Fiscal year use grew 6%, but import reliance (60-67%) and geopolitical risks persist, impacting petrochemicals.

India's tyre industry embraces circularity with bio-materials, recycling, and leasing to tackle 1.5-2 million tonnes of annual waste. Driven by EPR norms, the $9.25 billion recycling market by 2030 signals a green business imperative despite cost challenges.

Google's 2026 Discover Update boosts Sinopec Shanghai Petrochem stock (SHI) visibility. It delivers personalized, mobile-first financial news, offering investors faster insights into refining, petrochemicals, and China energy, leveraging visuals for actionable intelligence.