BPCL N-Butanol in Kandla

N-butanol prices in Kandla remain steady at ₹84.5/kg, while the Asian market in Shandong witnessed a slight price increase this week due to tight supply and cautious downstream demand. India's seasonal demand, especially from the paints and coatings sector, is expected to sustain price stability until mid-2025.

The prices of N Butyl Acetate have risen due to tightening supplies and robust seasonal demand from the paints and coatings sector. Both domestic producers and importers have adjusted their prices upward. While global FOB China prices show a decline, Indian demand is expected to stay strong until mid-2025.

The Indian Pyridine market showed a mixed trend this week. While 2-Picoline prices remained supported by seasonal agrochemical demand, 3-Picoline saw price weakness due to subdued Niacinamide consumption. Jubilant Life Sciences ramped up Niacinamide output, potentially increasing supply. Overall sentiment remains cautious, with selective downstream sectors driving demand.

Vinyl Acetate Monomer (VAM) prices in India declined by ₹1/kg due to weak demand from paints and adhesives sectors. While April saw tight supply, upcoming shipments and Celanese’s plant restart are expected to ease concerns. Market participants anticipate further price corrections as demand slows and importers hold off on fresh buys.

Toluene prices in the domestic Indian market saw a downward revision of ₹1/kg, as importers adjusted rates amid falling crude benchmarks and sluggish downstream demand. Bulk deals from importers were quoted at ₹64.50++ per kg (ex-Kandla) and ₹65.50++ per kg (ex-Mumbai) for 60-day payment terms. Meanwhile, trader offers were reported at ₹66++ per kg (ex-Mumbai) and ₹65.75++ per kg (ex-Kandla) under similar credit terms.

FOB China Acetic Acid surged $20 to $340/MT amid restocking triggered by rising COVID cases. However, Indian prices fell ₹1–1.5/kg due to weak demand and ongoing shutdowns at major plants. Inventory tightness and pharma sector demand could trigger a sharp rebound. Traders are actively building stocks ahead of June.

Diketene derivatives like EAA and MAA held steady as rising feedstock costs and strong downstream demand supported prices. Pharma and seasonal agrochemical demand kept offtake buoyant. Ethyl acetate surged 4% amid tight supply, while methanol and sodium methoxide stayed firm. Prices are expected to remain bullish through May 2025.

Acetic Acid prices in India rose by ₹2/kg amid concerns over vessel delays and tight supply. Importers and traders are holding back large-volume offers, anticipating further escalation. Despite subdued demand from Ethyl Acetate and Acetic Anhydride producers, strong offtake from bulk drugs and MCAA sectors is supporting bullish sentiment. Market eyes further price rebound.

Ethyl Acetate prices in India increased sharply amid escalating feedstock costs, limited raw material availability, and upcoming production shutdowns. Key producers raised offers by ₹1–2/kg. With Acetic Acid and Ethanol prices surging and logistics costs climbing, market participants expect further price gains. Demand from downstream industries remains robust, supporting bullish sentiment.