Chemicals News Today

Toluene prices in India softened during May and early June 2026, tracking weaker Asian market sentiment, declining China prices, and comfortable supply availability. Demand from paints, coatings, solvents, and fuel blending remained cautious, while buyers preferred need-based procurement. Near-term market sentiment remains stable to slightly bearish.

A Chinese yarn glut is negatively impacting Pakistan's viscose market due to low-cost imports and post-Eid destocking. In contrast, India's pricing remains steady, and China's tight inventories support market stability despite weak demand.

ATGC Biotech, selected among 120 startups at Bharat Innovates 2026, secured a Swiss licensing deal for 6 products and reinforced a JV for 18 products. This strengthens global commercialization of its sustainable crop protection technologies, showcasing India's deep-tech leadership.

Sulphur is agriculture's most strategic raw material, with prices up 3-4x due to global disruptions. Essential for nutrition, fertilizers, fungicides, and agrochemicals, its supply resilience is crucial for crop protection and food security.

The Glutaric Acid market is forecast to grow at a 4.8% CAGR from 2026-2035, reaching an index of 158, driven by bio-based polymer demand and pharmaceutical applications, despite feedstock volatility.

Delhi targets revamping 70% (2,361 km) of damaged roads by October to curb dust. Bitumen supply issues delayed 1,018 km. MCD partners with CRRI for road management and repairs, facing resident concerns and encroachments.

Govt will compensate highway builders for a 71% bulk diesel price surge and rising bitumen costs (₹49k to ₹80k/tonne). A panel recommended bitumen reserves and alternative sources amid West Asia crisis.

The safe passage of LNG carrier Disha through the Strait of Hormuz offers hope for 34 India-bound ships, including 16 carrying fertiliser. This follows a US-Iran peace deal, though facility damage may delay immediate energy relief.

NDDB and MCD will sign an MoU to convert dairy waste into CNG and fertilizer, preventing it from entering the Yamuna. This initiative, part of a river rejuvenation plan, will be reviewed every 20 days.

CEA Anantha Nageswaran welcomed the U.S.-Iran peace deal, hoping it lasts for India's oil, gas, and fertilizer imports. He urged public sector leadership to accelerate nuclear energy, build strategic reserves, and foster India's own 'Mittelstand' for national strength.