Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) Price Today

TLDR: Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK), with the chemical formula C4H8O, is a powerful and fast-evaporating liquid solvent. Classified under HSN 29141200, it is essential for high-performance coatings and specialized printing inks. The MEK price today in Kandla is approximately ₹88.50 – ₹92.00 per KG, influenced by global import arrivals and feedstock (secondary butanol) costs.

Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK), also known as Butanone, is one of the most effective industrial solvents available. Known for its exceptional solvency power and rapid evaporation rate, MEK is the backbone of the automotive refinishing, flexible packaging, and adhesive industries. Since India relies heavily on international supply chains for MEK, the Kandla (Gujarat) port serves as the primary gateway for bulk Imported shipments. Our platform provides verified access to high-purity Technical Grade MEK, ensuring your manufacturing processes achieve consistent drying times and superior finish quality.

MEK is a colorless, volatile organic compound with a sharp, sweet odor similar to acetone but with a significantly slower evaporation rate, providing better "open time" for coatings. It is produced industrially by the dehydrogenation of secondary butanol.
C4H9OH <=> C4H8O + H2

MEK is prized for its ability to dissolve resins that other solvents cannot, such as vinyls, acrylics, and nitrocellulose. Because of its high solvency-to-viscosity ratio, it allows for high-solid formulations, reducing the overall VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) footprint in industrial applications.

Our MEK inventory is sourced to meet the global benchmarks for Technical Grade solvents, ensuring high purity and minimal residue.

Property	Typical Value	Industrial Significance
Purity (Assay)	Min. 99.50%	High purity ensures no interference in sensitive ink and paint batches.
Water Content	Max 0.05%	Essential for moisture-sensitive polyurethane and adhesive applications.
Specific Gravity	0.805 – 0.807 (@ 20°C)	Benchmark for bulk volume-to-weight conversions.
Boiling Point	79.6°C	Low boiling point facilitates rapid drying and high throughput.
Color (APHA)	Max 10	Clear liquid prevents staining in white or transparent coatings.
Acidity (as Acetic)	Max 0.002%	Prevents corrosion in specialized application machinery.

MEK’s unique solvency profile makes it indispensable across these key sectors:

• Paints & Coatings: The primary solvent for automotive topcoats, primers, and industrial lacquers. It ensures a smooth, level finish without surface defects.
• Printing Inks: Critical for Flexographic and Gravure inks used in food packaging, where fast drying is required for high-speed printing presses.
• Adhesives: Used in the production of contact cements and rubber-based glues for footwear and automotive interiors.
• Plastic Welding: Acting as a chemical welding agent for PVC and other plastics, it softens the surface to create a permanent bond.
• Lubricating Oil Dewaxing: Used in refineries to remove wax from base oils, improving the low-temperature performance of lubricants.

We concentrate our MEK supply chain at the nation's most efficient logistics hub:

• West - Kandla :

As the primary entry point for Imported MEK, our Kandla node offers the most competitive ex-tank pricing for bulk buyers across Western and Northern India.

Methanol pricing depends on global energy benchmarks and regional port liquidity. These variables dictate the daily per-kilogram procurement rates.

• Natural Gas and Coal Feedstock Costs: Synthesis depends on fossil fuel prices. Fluctuations in global gas indices directly impact the final production cost of methanol.
• Global Capacity and Plant Operating Rates: Supply hinges on Middle Eastern and Chinese output. Scheduled maintenance at large-scale refineries often tightens local availability.
• Freight Rates and Vessel Availability: Shipping costs influence landed port rates. High tanker demand or canal delays increase the ex-tank price in Kandla.
• Downstream Formaldehyde and Acetic Demand: Resin and acid manufacturing drive consumption. Strong industrial growth in construction and automotive sectors supports firmer pricing.
• Currency Volatility and Import Parity: Most supply is imported. A weak Rupee against the Dollar raises the cost of clearing bulk chemical shipments.

The MEK market is sensitive to global petrochemical disruptions. We offer a stabilized procurement experience:

• Live Price Discovery: Monitor the MEK price today in Kandla, reflecting real-time import parity and global demand-supply shifts.
• Quality Assurance: Every batch is supplied with a detailed COA (Certificate of Analysis) verifying a minimum 99.5% assay.
• Packaging Versatility: Available in ISO Tanks for bulk users and 165kg MS Drums for medium-scale manufacturers.