Imported Toluene in Kandla

Toluene is a quite versatile, colorless, water-insoluble liquid with a distinctive sweet smell. It is widely used as a solvent and raw material in various industries, especially in the manufacturing of paints, coatings, adhesives, thinners, pharmaceuticals, and other chemicals. Derived from petroleum or coal tar, toluene is a key aromatic hydrocarbon in both chemical and petrochemical sectors.

Whether you're in the coatings business or chemical trading, understanding toluene’s industrial role and price behaviour is key to making better purchase decisions.

Key Properties of Toluene

• Appearance: Colourless liquid with a sweet, pungent odour
• High Solvency: Ideal for dissolving paints, resins, and adhesives
• Volatile and Flammable: Requires careful storage and handling
• Miscible with many solvents: Compatible with alcohols, ketones, and other hydrocarbons

Industrial Applications of Toluene

1. Paints and Coatings: Used as a solvent in lacquers, thinners, and paints for smooth application and fast drying.
2. Adhesives and Sealants: Toluene helps improve viscosity and bonding strength in contact adhesives and rubber-based glues.
3. Printing Industry: Functions as a solvent in many ink formulations, especially those for flexographic and gravure printing.
4. Pharmaceuticals: Acts as a chemical feedstock and reaction medium in active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) production.
5. Chemical Intermediates: Used to make benzene, toluene diisocyanate (TDI), and some other aromatic compounds.
6. Oil and Gas: Works as a cleaning and degreasing agent in the maintenance of drilling and production equipment.

Toluene Market Trends and Supply Chain

As of April 2025, the global toluene market is seeing a slight downward trend in prices, influenced by various regional factors and demand dynamics. The decreasing toluene prices is mainly attributed to weak cost-side support and an oversupply in the market. Also, less demand from downstream sectors has further weakened market dynamics.

Despite current price trends, the global toluene market is projected to grow from $30.9 billion in 2024 to $32.19 billion in 2025, at a CAGR of 4.2%. This growth is driven by the petroleum industry, polyurethane production, and expanding chemical manufacturing.

Toluene is mostly imported to India from producers in Korea, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, and Thailand. The Indian government has revised the compliance deadline for toluene quality standards. The new regulations will come into effect on December 22, 2025, which will impact manufacturers and importers who need to work as per the updated quality control measures.

Toluene Prices

Toluene prices in India have experienced a notable decline, reaching levels not seen in the past three years. Prices typically depend on the brand, purity, and location. But prices keep changing, so it’s best to check on platforms like Nexizo for the latest toluene rates.

In China, toluene was priced at around 5,600 yuan per metric ton in April 2025, marking a drop from earlier rates.

Toluene prices are subject to regular changes depending on:

• International crude oil and naphtha prices
• Refinery production output and shutdown schedules
• Local demand from end-user industries
• Import cargo volumes and port availability

Latest Toluene Prices Across Locations

Toluene Historical Prices

Historical data shows toluene price surges during high crude oil periods. Global production cuts during COVID-19 temporarily pushed prices higher. But prices continuously declined for the next few years. And in India, paints and inks still create steady demand, so that keeps the price from falling too much most of the time. See below how prices were over the last few months.

Toluene Historical Price Data

Toluene Rates Today 

Toluene rates today depend on:

• Global aromatic pricing trends
• Port-level availability in Kandla, Nhava Sheva, and Chennai
• Domestic refinery stock release schedules
• Demand cycles in adhesives, paints, and thinner manufacturers

Toluene Price Forecast 

While the current trend shows a slight decrease in toluene prices, the overall market outlook remains mostly positive, driven by consistent demand across various industries. Stakeholders should monitor regulatory changes, especially in regions like India, and stay informed about global supply-demand dynamics to make strategic decisions.

Factors like LNG demand may reinforce the market, potentially causing prices to gain momentum in the future. And if oil prices stay high, toluene will probably not go much lower and could even go up. Higher demand in Q2 and Q3 due to peak season in the construction and coating industries could also increase prices. However, there could be potential price dips if large cargo imports hit the Indian ports.

Factors that Influence Toluene Prices in India

• Crude Oil Prices – Being a derivative, its cost is directly tied to oil movements.
• Import Dependency – Any changes in import duties or global availability impact rates.
• Seasonal Demand – Construction and festival periods see a spike in consumption.
• Exchange Rates – USD/INR fluctuations can shift import cost dramatically.
• Local Manufacturing Output – Refinery production schedules play a crucial role.

Get the Best Toluene Prices Today on Nexizo

Looking for verified toluene rates? Nexizo helps you stay updated with:

• Daily toluene price alerts.
• Current rates based on port, brand, and packaging type.
• Access to multiple offers — compare and request the best quote.

Explore better ways to buy toluene in bulk — all on Nexizo. You can get it delivered across India, even in bulk. We also offer credit if you’re a big buyer.

Also, if you’re into tenders, especially government ones that need toluene, Nexizo helps you track those. So you can find out who needs what, when, and where, and also connect with sellers who have the right quality and delivery terms. That’s quite useful for bigger projects.