Chemicals News Today

CSIR-NCL is scaling up a DME pilot plant as an indigenous LPG alternative. Scientists state it requires no infrastructure changes, can be derived from biomass, coal, or CO2, and BIS standards exist for blending.

CSIR-NCL proposes Dimethyl Ether (DME) as a clean LPG alternative for cooking in India. Indigenous technology is ready for industrial scaling, promising energy security, reduced imports, and foreign exchange savings.

Sulfuric acid import prices in Indonesia have reached record highs due to tight supply, prompting buyers to seek additional shipments amid market pressure.

Asia PP prices surged 14%-22% due to higher feedstock costs, rate cuts, and supply disruptions, which also doubled freight rates.

Hindustan Organic Chemicals temporarily shut down its cumene plant after BPCL halted LPG supply. However, hydrogen peroxide production at the company’s Kochi complex remains unaffected.

At the India Chemical Industry Outlook Conference, industry leaders highlighted how geopolitical tensions and global uncertainty are reshaping strategies across the chemical sector. The director general of Cefic noted that Europe’s chemical industry is witnessing a policy shift toward more industry-friendly measures to support growth amid challenging global conditions. Meanwhile, AGC Inc. emphasized the potential for stronger India-Japan collaboration, citing India’s large talent pool and market scale combined with Japan’s advanced chemical technologies as key growth drivers. Evonik Industries outlined a balanced global growth strategy, focusing on agility, partnerships, and operational flexibility as geopolitical uncertainties continue to influence the industry.

US ethylene earnings are set to rebound due to surging crude prices, restoring the ethane advantage. Analysts raised 2026 targets: Dow's share price to $33, EBITDA to $5.315B; LyondellBasell's share price to $62, EBITDA to $4.582B.

K+S forecasts 2026 global potash demand growth, driven by Brazil, India, Southeast Asia, despite Middle East concerns. It expects €600-€700 million EBITDA, 7.6 million mt agriculture sales, and 2.3 million mt de-icing salt sales, with energy savings.

Oil's role is shifting. With EVs at 25% of new sales, fuel demand will decline. Oil will become a valuable feedstock for chemicals and plastics, not burned. This transition reduces combustion emissions but raises petrochemical pollution concerns.

A Bengaluru apartment withdrew its proposed LPG rationing plan after residents raised concerns over potential disruption to daily cooking. The move highlights vulnerabilities in centralized fuel supply systems for large residential communities.