Chemicals & Polymers

Domestic methanol prices dropped ₹0.50/kg amid healthy market activity and steady supply. Strong liquidation in Kandla and stable demand from formaldehyde and bulk drug sectors supported near-term stability. However, softening Asian futures and incoming Iranian cargoes signal a possible correction by mid-May 2025.

Ethyl Acetate prices have surged up to ₹4/kg due to rising feedstock costs, production constraints, and higher freight rates. Manufacturers are cautious about large-volume deals amid supply uncertainties and a major shutdown. Substitution from Acetone is increasing demand. Price volatility is expected to persist through June 2025.

Acetone prices in India have increased by ₹2/kg due to tight supply, strong paint sector demand, and low port inventories. Domestic output remains constrained while downstream sectors like pharmaceuticals and diacetone alcohol rebound. Traders expect further price hikes, while producers are cautious amid low conversion margins and limited vessel arrivals.

India's polymer market is witnessing a major shift in 2025, with fewer MoUs and a stronger push toward flexible, spot-based procurement. Prices remain high across key regions, while trading companies and digital platforms gain importance. Polyethylene demand is surging, prompting structural changes in supply strategy and sourcing behavior.

Polymer prices across India witnessed downward pressure amid weak demand and abundant supply. Domestic producers, including HMEL and MRPL, maintained prices regionally, while international PP and PE offers softened. Incentive schemes and maintenance shutdowns hint at attempts to stabilize the market, though bearish sentiment persists heading into May 2025.

MEK import prices in India dropped by ₹3/kg to ₹88.50/kg (Ex-Kandla, 30-day credit), driven by weak downstream demand and ample inventories. Domestic Cetex prices stand at ₹90–92/kg (Ex-Chennai). Market sentiment remains cautious, though steady demand from printing inks and packaging sectors may stabilize prices post-April.

Polymer prices in India reflect cautious trading amid global oversupply and weak demand. XINFA PVC K67 is at ₹64,000/MT in Bhiwandi; HDPE PE100 at ₹92,520/MT in Delhi. PP and PE segments are under pressure, with incentives failing to spur demand. Anti-dumping measures may offer limited support for PVC prices.

Accordd Organics has hiked Ethyl Acetate prices by ₹1/kg to ₹70++/kg (Ex-Ahmednagar), amid a 6% rise in Acetic Acid costs and feedstock shortages caused by GNFC’s maintenance and import delays. With traders withholding offers and freight rates surging, the market faces ongoing volatility through Q2 2025.

PP prices vary across India, with HALDIA PPCP Random at ₹1,06,250/MT in Delhi and MARLEX PPHP Raffia at ₹98,000/MT in Bhiwandi. Supply remains ample despite slight production cuts. Demand is slow but gradually improving. Global trade tensions and rising propane costs are driving raw material volatility and cautious market sentiment.