Chemicals News Today

The virtual US Embassy in Iran has advised all American citizens to leave the country immediately amid escalating geopolitical tensions. In its latest advisory, the embassy warned of heightened security measures, possible road closures, internet disruptions, and flight cancellations, urging nationals to depart without delay. Meanwhile, market sentiment in the domestic chemical space remains firm, with methanol prices expected to edge higher in the second half of the day, supported by cautious buying and tightening supply outlook.

Acetone basic prices have been revised upward by ₹2,000 per metric tonne, effective 06 February 2026. Revised price levels are as follows: Bulk: ₹91,500 PMT Packed: ₹1,04,500 PMT The price prevailing on the date of dispatch will be applicable for all orders.

SIT revealed Bhole Baba Dairy used 8,900 kg of LABSA, a toilet cleaning chemical, and 57.56 lakh kg of cheap oils to adulterate ghee for Tirupati Laddus. This harmful chemical poses severe health risks.

RSPL Group's SOKA unit doubled its soda ash capacity to 1 million tons per annum in Gujarat after environmental clearance. This expansion, creating 2000 jobs, advances 'Make in India' and strengthens solar glass production, boosting domestic industrial supply.

Styrene monomer (SM) prices declined in Asia, with FOB Korea at USD 980-990/mt (down USD 10/mt) and CFR China at USD 975-985/mt (down USD 15/mt). Weaker crude and benzene (down USD 5/mt) drove the fall.

Technip Energies secured major BPCL contracts for refinery expansion in Bina and Mumbai. Projects include new Butene-1 (50 KTPA) and polypropylene (550 KTPA) units, and India's first PRFCC unit, boosting capacity.

APL announced on February 6, 2026, that it has resumed operations at its Oxo-alcohols manufacturing plant.

US Isopropyl alcohol market declined 2% in January 2026 due to reduced international demand, despite robust high-purity IPA sales. Weekly gains suggest stabilization, leading to cautious optimism for February.

Chinese Triethylamine (TEA) prices saw a moderate rise in late January 2026, driven by short-term cost fluctuations and pre-Lunar New Year demand. Feedstock supply remained balanced.

Chinese Para Aminophenol prices increased 2% in January due to early pharma procurement. A February correction is anticipated as post-holiday demand is expected to be soft, with buyers relying on existing stock.