Chemicals News Today

Methanol prices remained firm but volatile during August as the Chinese market showed signs of recovery following July’s correction. Supply uncertainty, plant maintenance, lower inventories and Middle East geopolitical risks supported prices, while seasonal downstream weakness and higher imports limited upside. Indian prices remained elevated amid cautious buying and replacement-cost pressures.

India's chemical sector is shifting from scale to process control via continuous chemistry, enhancing efficiency, reducing waste, and strengthening sustainability across specialty chemicals and advanced intermediates.

Chambal Fertilisers commenced commercial production of Technical Ammonium Nitrate at its Gadepan facility in Rajasthan, marking a major milestone in the company's industrial manufacturing expansion.

Haldia Petrochemicals has increased PP polymer prices effective August 21, 2026. Prices for PP Raffia, TQ, and ICP rose by ₹2/kg, while PP IM, F&F, and RCP increased by ₹3/kg.

China Bazaar futures opened with mixed trends on August 21, 2026. PP and LLDPE opened lower at 8682 RMB/MT and 8150 RMB/MT respectively, while PVC opened higher at 4561 RMB/MT.

Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited has increased PP Polymer prices. PP IM and Lamination prices are up by ₹3/kg, and other PP grades have increased by ₹2/kg, effective August 21, 2026.

A NITI Aayog report projects India's chemical exports to reach $81 billion by 2030, driven by increased domestic production, higher specialty chemical output, and a growing global market share.

Despite rapid solar capacity growth to 163 GW, India lacks domestic polysilicon production, relying heavily on Chinese imports. New PLI schemes and policies aim to bridge this upstream manufacturing gap.

India's synthetic-textile push under the PLI scheme faces feedstock challenges as Japan and South Korea cut petrochemical capacity, reinforcing China's dominance in global polyester pricing and production.

Global urea prices are recovering from mid-August lows due to tight supply and restocking, despite persistent Chinese oversupply and geopolitical risks. Meanwhile, India's RCF tendered 1.7 million MT.