Chemicals News Today

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.

Methanol prices strengthened globally as supply concerns intensified following disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz. China futures surged sharply, lifting Asian spot prices above $300/tonne. India prices ranged between ₹35–41/kg amid rising import parity and varying cargo arrivals, with supply risks dominating current market sentiment.

Styrene prices in India held steady at ₹96–97/kg as Asian benchmarks rebounded on firmer benzene and renewed post-holiday buying. Global supply remains adequate, but restocking has tightened the near-term range. India’s full import dependence keeps domestic pricing closely aligned with international feedstock and freight movements.

IPA prices in India softened slightly to ₹83–84/kg amid weak downstream offtake and comfortable supply. US markets also edged lower on flat distributor buying and ample inventories. With no production disruptions and steady operating rates, the market remains balanced-to-bearish, with limited catalysts for near-term upside.

Acetone prices in India stayed range-bound amid weak global demand and persistent oversupply. Capacity additions, especially in China, continue to outweigh consumption growth. Elevated inventories are capping any price recovery. Near-term outlook remains stable to mildly bearish, with limited triggers for sustained upside.

Acetic acid prices in India remained firm, supported by low port inventories and higher import parity from China. Asian markets stayed largely rangebound as tight prompt supply offset weak derivative demand. Short-term stability is expected, with limited upside despite gradual supply improvement.