Chemicals & Polymers

Toluene prices in India increased due to short-term port tightness, while China saw marginal gains driven by steady demand and stable refinery output. Crude oil weakened globally, affecting sentiment across aromatics. Despite softer crude cues, local shortages will support Indian prices in the near term, keeping the overall outlook stable to slightly soft.

Polyethylene prices across HDPE, LDPE, and LLDPE remained weak as global offers fell further and domestic demand softened after festive restocking. Imports increased, supply pressures remained high, and downstream buyers restricted purchases. Despite crude stability, sentiment stayed bearish, with major producers offering additional discounts, indicating continued softness in December.

Acetone prices fell by ₹3/kg due to weak downstream demand, steady domestic production, and consistent imports. Soft benzene and propylene prices further pressured sentiment. While demand from paints, IPA, and DAA remains weak, a recovery is expected from the pharma sector by December–January, which may help stabilise prices.

Polymer markets remain weak, with PP and PE demand subdued and PVC facing fresh downside after India’s decision not to impose ADD. RIL announced PVC price protection, while international PVC offers dropped sharply. Imports are set to slow in December, and most polymers appear near bottom levels, encouraging stocking interest.

PVC SG5 prices have swung sharply from ₹70,250 to ₹62,500 within a month, reflecting a buyer’s market driven by weak demand and oversupply. European markets are also under pressure due to Asian export inflows and soft construction demand. Anti-dumping actions may affect trade flows but offer limited short-term relief.

Toluene prices rose ₹3/kg this week, supported by feedstock cost recovery and improved trading momentum. Demand from paints remains steady, while the pharma sector shows gradual recovery. Despite crude volatility, supply–demand conditions are balanced. Short-term outlook suggests stability with slight downside risk amid cautious buyer sentiment and steady import volumes.

PET bottle chip prices showed mixed movement during early November, with a mild recovery driven by rising crude and PX costs. Demand remains weak due to the seasonal lull and cautious procurement by end-users. Supply remains ample, and the short-term outlook is stable to slightly firm, supported by feedstock recovery and moderate operating rates.

Polypropylene (PP) prices continued to decline amid weak demand, high inventories, and subdued global sentiment. Domestic producers reduced prices to clear stocks, while feedstock propylene costs softened. Despite slight sentiment improvement from trade developments, oversupply persists, keeping the PP market range-bound with limited recovery expected through November 2025.

Global polyethylene (PE) prices remained largely stable through mid-October 2025, with Asian markets showing marginal declines and U.S. prices holding steady. Supply remained sufficient despite limited demand recovery. Higher crude oil costs offered some support, but overall market sentiment stayed cautious amid weak downstream activity and moderate import interest.