Chemicals News Today

Acetone prices in India remained firm during Q2 2026 despite easing supply tightness and improved import availability. While elevated propylene and energy costs continue to support market levels, weak downstream demand and cautious purchasing activity have limited further upside. Market sentiment remains balanced with a mildly soft near-term outlook.

Japan will boost petrochemical material supplies for paint and thinner by 1.8 times usual demand. Oil wholesalers will directly supply makers to address imbalances and ensure products reach builders.

Gujarat Alkalies & Chemicals approved a Rs. 67 crore, 5,000 TPA high-purity hydrogen peroxide plant at Dahej. Expected in 18 months, it targets semiconductor and solar industries, projecting Rs. 42 crore annual sales, funded by internal accruals.

IPFT hosted BIOPSF 2026, a 2-day symposium on next-gen bio-inputs for sustainable agriculture, marking its 36th Foundation Day. It gathered policymakers, scientists, and industry, featuring 23 lectures and 80 presentations.

Chambal Fertilisers and Chemicals Limited commenced weak nitric acid production at its Gadepan facility in Rajasthan. This marks a key milestone for its Technical Ammonium Nitrate (TAN) project, strengthening its industrial chemicals portfolio for mining and infrastructure sectors.

Jainik Power Cables Limited is now fully operational, having secured BIS certifications for ACSR, AAAC, XLPE Insulated, and Aerial Bunched Cables. The company will supply these products to utilities, EPC contractors, and infrastructure developers across India.

Hindustan Unilever inaugurated its third global Unilever Fragrance Hub in Mumbai, part of a $100 million program. This hub, at IIT Bombay, uses AI and advanced science to boost innovation, product experience, and premiumisation, reinforcing India's R&D role.

US spot petrochemical prices softened, with ethylene down 17% and PGP down 8%, as export demand lags for June. This follows a surge driven by conflict, though US feedstocks remain competitive.

India developed a light-driven nano-catalyst using gold, palladium, and BODIPY. It enables cleaner, faster, and energy-efficient medicine/chemical manufacturing by reducing toxic solvents, high temperatures, and pollution, contributing to sustainable industrial practices.

India is finalising a new policy for coal gasification-based urea manufacturing within a month. This move aims to boost self-reliance and save foreign exchange by reducing dependence on imported natural gas for urea production.