Chemicals News Today

The Indian chemicals market saw broad-based softening this week, with the category average price declining <strong>1.93% week-on-week</strong> to ₹149.06/kg, as multiple key solvents including Ethyl Acetate, Acetic Acid, Phenol, VAM, and Melamine recorded notable price drops driven by weak downstream demand and easing import supply. While IPA held firm month-on-month gains of 13.33%, the dominant mood across the basket was bearish, with falling crude oil benchmarks and sluggish industrial offtake setting the tone. Procurement managers with near-term requirements in declining commodities may find this week an opportune window to lock in spot purchases before any supply-side reversal.

Surat's textile industry faces a critical test as surging feedstock costs tighten margins, slow production, and impact thousands of workers. This exposes vulnerability to global fluctuations, urging diversification and support for resilience.

Saudi chemical exports surged 18% year-on-year to SR6.92 billion in February, driven by stronger demand. The Kingdom aims to quadruple downstream output by 2035, adding SR58.2 billion and 108,000 jobs, with India being a key importer.

Chennai's persistent LPG shortage is severely disrupting auto-rickshaw drivers' livelihoods, causing lost income and operational challenges. This highlights vulnerabilities in the informal transport economy and urban energy systems, affecting city-wide mobility.

Scientists found Moringa oleifera seeds can remove over 98% of microplastics from water, performing as well as chemical treatments. This eco-friendly solution offers a sustainable alternative to current methods, which pose health risks and environmental concerns.

Centre imposes firecracker production curbs in Sivakasi belt due to heatwave and a recent explosion killing 25 workers. Hazardous mixing is restricted to 6-10 am, with no production 11 am-3 pm, starting May 4.

The global antiscalants for desalination plants market is forecast to grow at a 5.8% CAGR to 2035, driven by rising water scarcity and expanding RO capacity. Desalination capacity will exceed 150M cubic meters/day by 2030.

A fire at a new Ghaziabad chemical factory, manufacturing paint spray and oxygen canisters, required 12 fire engines over an hour to control. No casualties reported, but the factory lacked a fire NOC.

India is resorting to LPG spot buying from the US and other nations to bridge the West Asia supply gap, ensuring domestic availability. Domestic output increased by 20% to 46,000 tonnes daily, diversifying imports from 10 to 15 countries.

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.