Chemicals News Today

Imported acetic acid prices in India strengthened to ₹58/kg ex-Kandla/Mumbai as tight inventories, delayed imports, and Middle East tensions supported market sentiment. Indian buying interest improved, but downstream demand remained cautious due to higher procurement costs. Supply disruptions and plant maintenance are expected to keep prices firm in the near term.

Uttar Pradesh's sugar industry transformed into a bio-energy sector, expanding ethanol production nearly four-fold since 2017. This shift, driven by green energy, strengthened mill finances, enabling over ₹3 lakh crore farmer payments and supporting clean energy goals.

Maharashtra FDA busted a major milk adulteration racket, uncovering 2.3 crore litres of fake milk made with detergent, palm oil, and chemicals, valued over Rs 9.21 crore. 13 arrested in the statewide operation.

Privi Speciality Chemicals plans a ₹12-12.5 billion investment to expand capacity from 48,000 to 66,000-72,000 tons over three years. This aims to drive 10% annual volume growth, diversify products, and reinforce its global aroma chemicals market position.

Petrochemical firms' COGS recovery lags oil price normalization. Oil prices revert in months, but COGS takes 2-3 years to return to 2019 levels, peaking at 139.4 in 2022 and reaching 102.3 by 2025. A two-phase recovery model is crucial.

Nitin Gadkari defends ethanol blending, citing Rs 22 lakh crore import reduction, pollution control, and farmer income. He dismisses sponsored criticism, highlighting 20% blending's safety and 550 industries' role in India's energy self-reliance.

HPCL conducted 3,651 fuel quality inspections, including 2,173 surprise checks, across its network over two weeks. No adulteration or quality lapses were found, reinforcing commitment to high-quality ethanol-blended petrol for customers.

Probe into an ethanol rice scam widens, with notices issued to 6 mills in MP and Maharashtra. Around 20 trucks of pilfered rice seized, and 1.4 lakh quintal subsidised rice allegedly recycled in an inter-state racket.

Overall kharif acreage fell 16%, with pulses, cereals, and oilseeds seeing significant declines. However, sugarcane acreage rose to 57.5 LHa, boosted by ethanol demand, despite water resource pressure.

Shalimar Paints launched Xtra Tough Hi-Sheen, a premium exterior emulsion. It offers enhanced weather protection, high-sheen, dust-repellence, anti-algal/fungal properties, and UV protection. Available in 2,000 shades with an 8-year warranty.