Chemicals News Today

India continues using Paraquat, a toxic herbicide banned in 74 countries, despite no antidote and over 100 tonnes used annually. Critics cite weak regulation, farm safety risks, and public health concerns, questioning its approval for 9 crops.

Saudi petchems face a precarious future despite Q1 profit lift. Export disruptions, overcapacity, and rising costs challenge producers. Eight firms lost $244M, though Sabic swung to a $3.5M profit, but long-term structural issues persist.

Ahmedabad factory blast death toll rises to two after a second worker succumbed to injuries. A boiler explosion at a chemical unit four days ago injured four. Families demand action and compensation as police investigate safety.

The Fertiliser Ministry seeks to double its Rs 1.77 lakh crore subsidy allocation for FY27 due to surging global prices, increasing urea bag subsidy from Rs 2,900 to Rs 4,500. This aims to shield farmers amid fiscal stress and supply constraints.

Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East are causing high volatility in the PP market. Despite this, open-market PP prices are expected to ease next week due to cautious buyers and subdued demand, with crude oil movements being a key factor.

Geopolitical conflict is redefining global chemical industry feedstock competition. Resilience to volatility and supply-chain disruptions, rather than just cost, now determines competitiveness. Feedstock security is a strategic priority, notably during China's 15th Five-Year Plan.

On Monday, stronger upstream energy rates pushed SM prices higher in Asia. Price gains were further driven by a rise in upstream benzene feedstock values across Asia. FOB Korea SM prices were assessed at USD 1195-1205/mt levels, up USD (+20/mt) from last Friday's assessed levels. CFR China SM prices were assessed at USD 1180-1190/mt levels, an increase of USD (+20/mt) from previously assessed levels. Meanwhile, FOB Korea benzene feedstock prices were assessed at USD 990-1000/mt levels, higher by USD (+20/mt) from last Friday.

From Jan-Apr 2026, China exported 676,000 tonnes of PVC to India, 39.7% of its total. India was the largest destination, followed by Vietnam (140,000 tonnes) and Indonesia (94,000 tonnes).

Phenol prices in India remained stable during Q2 2026, supported by higher benzene feedstock values and elevated energy costs. However, weak demand from BPA, construction, automotive, and caprolactam sectors continues to limit price recovery. Buyers remain cautious, keeping the market largely demand-driven rather than cost-driven.

BHEL and Coal India formed BCGCL, a JV for a 2000 TPD indigenous coal gasification plant in Odisha. This aims to produce ammonium nitrate, reducing imports and advancing India's goal to gasify 100 million tonnes of coal annually by 2030.