Chemicals News Today

The Indian chemicals market witnessed a sharp broad-based rally this week, with the category average price surging <strong>+10.69% WoW</strong> to ₹154.06/KG, driven by aggressive feedstock cost push across imported solvents and ketones. MIBK led all movers with a stunning <strong>+48% WoW</strong> jump from ₹125 to ₹185/KG, while Methanol (+16.18%), Acetic Acid (+13.33%), and MEK (+12.50%) also posted double-digit weekly gains. On a month-on-month basis, the category is up a staggering <strong>+65.07%</strong>, signalling a structural repricing cycle that procurement teams must urgently factor into Q2 budgets.

Global petrochemicals face a severe crisis with 14 million bpd offline due to Middle East conflict. This causes acute raw material shortages, 10-15% production cuts in Asia, and 5-10% price hikes, leading to force majeure declarations worldwide.

Chandigarh faces severe urban safety gaps due to widespread LPG adulteration, illegal refilling, and diversion of domestic cylinders. This black market poses fire and explosion risks, highlighting systemic vulnerabilities despite stable supply.

West Asia conflict is hiking global oil and PET plastic costs, driving up bottled water prices in India. With a market projected to reach $9-10B by 2032, 2,000 manufacturers raised prices by ₹1 per bottle amid 50% polymer cost surges.

India boosts energy security via bioenergy. Ethanol achieved 20% blending, saving ₹1.63 lakh crore. CBG sees 201 plants commissioned, with 1,645 registered. Biomass co-firing targets 5%, reaching 3.72 million tonnes. Policy support is crucial for future growth.

The global heavy metal chelation chemicals market is set for sustained growth from 2026-2035, driven by tightening environmental regulations and resource recovery. The market index will rise substantially from its 2025 baseline, with Asia-Pacific leading demand for these critical environmental solutions.

India's downstream petrochemical sector faces persistent strain despite government interventions. Production is down to 20-40% of normal. Elevated oil ($110-120/barrel) and LNG ($20-25/MMBtu) prices, supply disruptions, and policy trade-offs continue to impact the industry.

JP Nadda reviewed urea, DAP supply with states, assuring support amid West Asia conflict. Despite a potential 0.6-0.9 million tonne production impact, no immediate shortage for Kharif is expected, with imports planned from Morocco.

Torrent Gas hiked CNG prices by Rs 2.50/kg, sparking concern over rising daily expenses. This follows broader fuel price increases, including commercial LPG by Rs 195.50 for a 19-kg cylinder, driven by global energy market pressures and geopolitical tensions.

Indian LPG tankers, including Green Sanvi (46,650 tonnes), successfully transited the Strait of Hormuz. An Iranian LPG cargo (44,000 tonnes) reached Mangalore, marking the first purchase in seven years, easing India's critical cooking gas supply concerns.