Chemicals News Today

Synhelion produces renewable synthetic fuels for under EUR 1,000/ton (EUR 0.8/liter) at scale. Validated by DNV, their process uses 3x less electricity and biogenic waste, making sustainable fuels cost-competitive with fossil fuels for transportation.

Toluene prices in India remain firm at ₹90–96/kg but face softening momentum due to weaker crude oil and sluggish downstream demand. Improved supply conditions and refinery inventory pressure are weighing on the market. While geopolitical risks provide support, the overall outlook remains cautious with a slight downward bias in the near term.

HOCL resumed commercial production at its Phenol & Cumene plant in Kochi on April 24, 2026, following a temporary shutdown. This marks a return to normal operations after a force majeure event.

SED secured its 8th order from Laxmi Organic for a 100 KLD LTE system. This MVR-based ZLD solution recovers 77,000 litres of clean water daily from high-concentration wastewater.

GAIL CMD Deepak Gupta reviewed Vijaipur operations on April 21, 2026, focusing on LPG supply and energy security. He inaugurated a 7.75 MW floating solar plant and 0.78 MW ground-mounted capacity, alongside a compressor system upgrade for enhanced efficiency and reduced emissions.

India's ethanol industry opposes CAFE-III norms (FY27-32), arguing they unfairly favor EVs over Flex-Fuel Vehicles. AIDA seeks to raise FFV's derogation factor from 1.1 to 2.0-2.5, advocating for technology-neutral incentives and harmonized ethanol policies.

Himadri Speciality reported Q4 FY26 PAT up 29% to Rs. 201 Cr, with full-year PAT surging 36% to Rs. 755 Cr. The company achieved record EBITDA, commissioned an anode material facility, expanded carbon black capacity, and advanced battery material projects, signaling strong growth.

Himadri Speciality Chemical reported robust FY26 financials with ₹4,660.7 crore revenue and 36% PAT growth. It commissioned its first anode material facility and expanded speciality carbon black capacity, becoming a top-five global manufacturer.

Union Minister Nadda met industry leaders to blueprint growth for chemicals & petrochemicals, aiming for $1.5 trillion by 2047. Discussions focused on resilience, supply chains, and global positioning for Viksit Bharat.

Korean petrochemicals secured stopgap naphtha supplies, easing immediate disruptions. However, soaring naphtha prices ($971/ton, up 80%) and freight costs are squeezing profitability, leading to weak H1 results and "survival mode."