Chemicals News Today

Middle East geopolitical risks threaten supply chains for bromine (97.5% from Israel) and helium (64.7% from Qatar). Experts urge an urgent shift to physical volume procurement over traditional contracts to ensure stability.

India's chemicals market witnessed a broad-based correction this week, with the category average declining <strong>2.09% WoW</strong> to ₹151.82/KG, as crude oil-linked solvents and aromatics bore the brunt of global macro headwinds including trade war fears and falling crude benchmarks. Methanol and Toluene led the decline with sharp WoW drops of <strong>9.33%</strong> and <strong>8.85%</strong> respectively, while N-Hexane and Butyl Acrylate Monomer bucked the trend with strong gains of <strong>+14.29%</strong> and <strong>+6.52%</strong>. Despite the near-term softness, month-on-month data tells a different story — most chemicals remain significantly elevated versus March levels, signaling structural demand-supply tightness beneath the surface.

Rajasthan launches a scientific plan to restore the Jojari River, addressing industrial effluent and textile contamination. The strategy combines waste treatment, ecological restoration, and stricter monitoring for long-term environmental sustainability.

India temporarily cut import duties on 40 petrochemicals until June 30, addressing 35-60% cost surges from the Iran war. This aids industries facing supply fragility, emphasizing the need for indigenous capacity development.

80% of Gujarat's 850 detergent MSMEs shut down due to soaring petrochemical costs. LABSA prices tripled to Rs 300/kg, Soda Ash up Rs 6,000/tonne, and plastic packaging up 50%, threatening 30,000 jobs.

The West Asia conflict raises India's oil import bill by $13-14 billion for every $10/barrel crude hike, impacting inflation and external balances. High-risk sectors include energy, fertilisers, and rice exports, with potential effects on remittances and FDI.

Shell significantly increased LNG supplies to India, becoming the largest imported gas supplier in March. It secured 4 of 6 TBtus in fertiliser tenders, countering West Asia disruptions impacting 11.2 million tonnes of India's LNG imports.

In 2026, electric cooking (₹700-₹1,100/month) can be cheaper than LPG (₹900-₹1,200/month) in cities with stable power. LPG remains reliable elsewhere. Hydrogen is not yet viable for households.

Shell expanded India's LNG supplies, securing 4 TBtu out of 6 TBtu tendered for the fertilizer sector amid West Asia conflict disruptions. Leveraging its 5 MTPA Hazira terminal and global portfolio, Shell stabilizes gas availability, ensuring urea production.

Middle East developments may hike packaging material costs in India due to petrochemical input price rises. Government meetings addressed supply chain stress, logistics, and input costs, initiating monitoring and port efficiency measures to aid sectors like MSMEs.