Chemicals News Today

N-Butanol prices today declined in both India and China due to weakening cost support from falling propylene prices and subdued downstream demand. Market sentiment remains cautious, with buyers adopting need-based purchasing. In the near term, prices are expected to stay weak and range-bound amid balanced supply and limited demand recovery.

Hyderabad restaurants face a gas crisis, with commercial cylinder prices hiked by Rs 1,000 to Rs 3,400. This surge, plus black market premiums, forces biryani and chai outlets to raise prices by up to Rs 50, impacting consumers.

Bengaluru's restaurant sector faces severe financial strain due to a sharp LPG price hike. Eateries grapple with rising operational costs, forcing choices between absorbing expenses, raising menu prices, or cutting operations, impacting post-pandemic recovery.

India's ethanol blending push faces a severe water crisis. Producing one litre of ethanol from rice needs 10,790 litres of water, maize 4,670, and sugarcane 3,630. This strains groundwater, risking depletion in 21 major cities by 2030, despite 1,822 crore litres capacity.

Spain's Plastic Food Wrap market is projected to reach 100,000-110,000 metric tons and €410-€490 million by 2035, driven by foodservice. PE dominates, but regulatory shifts favor recyclable high-barrier films, posing challenges for PVC/PVDC.

India's V-KALP coal gasification scheme, pending approval, proposes a ₹37,500 crore outlay, up from ₹8,500 crore, with ₹3,000 crore per project. It aims for 100 MT capacity by 2030, boosting self-reliance and import substitution.

Himadri Speciality Chemical diversifies into EV battery materials, speciality chemicals, and tyres, targeting FY27 for LFP plant and FY28 for new revenue streams. FY26 revenue hit ₹4,660.7 crore, EBITDA ₹1,006 crore, and net profit ₹755 crore.

Cabinet to approve Rs 37,500 cr incentive scheme for coal gasification projects. It targets 100 MT capacity by 2030, boosting clean energy and reducing import dependence, with Rs 3,000 cr max aid per project.

Malkangiri Police busted a mobile hash oil unit, seizing 800 litres of precursor chemicals worth Rs 100 crore, 50 kg ganja, and 2 litres of hashish oil. The operation disrupted an interstate drug network, though the driver escaped.

India's 2026 LPG crisis, driven by 60% import dependence and geopolitical risks, reveals fiscal strain. Solutions like DME blending (20% blend could cut 6M tonnes imports), electrification, and diversified energy pathways are crucial for resilience.