Chemicals News Today

Toluene prices today strengthened as higher crude oil prices and tightening spot supply supported market sentiment. While downstream demand remained stable, buyers turned cautious at elevated price levels, leading to requirement-based procurement. The Indian toluene market is expected to remain stable to firm, with global crude trends and import availability guiding prices.

Imported acetic acid prices in India strengthened to ₹58/kg ex-Kandla/Mumbai as tight inventories, delayed imports, and Middle East tensions supported market sentiment. Indian buying interest improved, but downstream demand remained cautious due to higher procurement costs. Supply disruptions and plant maintenance are expected to keep prices firm in the near term.

Mixed Xylene prices in India continued to weaken in June 2026, tracking lower crude oil and Asian aromatics prices. Comfortable regional supply, falling paraxylene (PX) prices, and seasonal weakness in PTA and polyester demand kept buying activity subdued. The market is expected to remain range-bound until stronger downstream demand or crude recovery emerges.

Methanol prices in India witnessed a sharp correction during June, with Ex-Kandla prices falling over 30% month-on-month. Improving prospects for Middle East supply, progress in US-Iran peace negotiations, and expectations of normal shipping through the Strait of Hormuz have eased supply concerns, while weak buying sentiment continues to pressure prices.

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.

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.

Acetone prices in India remained firm during Q2 2026 despite easing supply tightness and improved import availability. While elevated propylene and energy costs continue to support market levels, weak downstream demand and cautious purchasing activity have limited further upside. Market sentiment remains balanced with a mildly soft near-term outlook.

Methanol markets softened across Asia as spot enquiries declined after aggressive April buying. China export arbitrage remained open, while India demand for June cargoes weakened amid expected arrivals and geopolitical uncertainty. Domestic India inventories tightened temporarily, supporting ex-tank prices. Weak China downstream sentiment, fluctuating futures, and soft freight discussions continued limiting aggressive procurement activity regionally.

Acetic acid prices in India and Asia remained under pressure due to rising China supply, weak downstream demand, and continuous import inflows. India ex-tank prices softened to ₹45–47.5/kg, while Asian benchmarks declined across regions. Market sentiment stayed bearish despite regional plant outages and operational adjustments supporting limited supply balance.

N-Butanol prices today declined in both India and China due to weakening cost support from falling propylene prices and subdued downstream demand. Market sentiment remains cautious, with buyers adopting need-based purchasing. In the near term, prices are expected to stay weak and range-bound amid balanced supply and limited demand recovery.