Chemicals News Today

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.

Toluene prices in India remain firm at ₹90–96/kg but face softening momentum due to weaker crude oil and sluggish downstream demand. Improved supply conditions and refinery inventory pressure are weighing on the market. While geopolitical risks provide support, the overall outlook remains cautious with a slight downward bias in the near term.

Methanol price today weakened across Asia and India due to cautious sentiment and weak demand. Prices in India dropped to ₹63–75/kg amid profit booking. While supply remains stable, geopolitical uncertainty and freight costs continue to influence trends. The market is expected to remain range-bound with a slightly bearish outlook.

The Phenol and Acetone market in India has undergone a dramatic structural repricing over the last month. However, the past week (March 23–29, 2026) was characterized by a consolidation phase, with prices stabilizing after a massive rally.

The Indian Ethyl Acetate market is undergoing a period of structural repricing, moving away from historical lows toward a new, higher baseline. This shift is primarily fueled by a dramatic rise in upstream feedstock costs—specifically Acetic Acid and Ethanol—forcing major domestic producers like GNFC to implement significant price revisions. While supply remains stable, the market is characterized by "tight equilibrium" as the Pharmaceutical and Coatings industries continue to pull steady volumes.

The acetic acid market in March 2026 is being driven primarily by cost-side pressures, with prices rising across Asia due to higher methanol and freight costs. However, weak downstream demand—especially from VAM—along with ample supply in China, is limiting further upside. While prices remain firm, the market lacks strong consumption support, resulting in a volatile but range-bound trend, particularly in India.