Daily Market Report

Toluene prices dropped ₹2/kg this week, reflecting weak demand and falling replacement costs. Import offers range between ₹64.50–66/kg, while spot costs have dipped to ₹57–58/kg. Demand remains subdued, especially from pharma and coatings sectors. Experts anticipate a recovery only if crude oil strengthens and seasonal demand improves.

Mono Chloro Acetic Acid (MCAA) prices increased ₹0.5/kg across key markets following a sharp increase in Acetic Acid costs. While producers revised rates upward, trading offers also moved higher. Supply remains steady with strong downstream demand from agrochemicals, pharma, and surfactants. Market players expect stable prices ahead, though falling Acetic Acid costs and weaker global sentiment could soften the outlook.

Methanol import offers in India have moved up by ₹1/kg amid slight improvement in buying interest, though trader sentiment remains mixed due to bearish signals from international markets. With steady domestic supply and incoming Iranian cargoes, buyers are proceeding cautiously. Weak downstream demand continues to weigh on pricing, especially in the amines, MTBE, and acetic acid sectors.

Acetic Acid prices have surged due to supply tightness driven by GNFC’s shutdown, delayed imports, and low port inventories. Importers and traders have raised prices, with downstream sectors like Ethyl Acetate reacting with immediate hikes. Continued demand growth and limited supply are expected to keep prices firm and volatile in April.

MIBK prices in India declined amid subdued demand, high port inventories, and falling replacement costs. Offers are now INR 116–119/kg depending on payment terms. While demand remains weak in bulk drug and rubber sectors, stable offtake in paints and coatings provides limited support. Deepak Phenolics’ entry may shift future supply trends.

Indian methanol import prices have softened by ₹2/kg amid the arrival of low-priced Iranian cargoes. Domestic prices are down ₹4/kg week-on-week. While supply remains stable, subdued downstream demand and bearish global cues are driving cautious buying behavior. Short-term volatility is expected as buyers await further price corrections.

Acetone prices increased by ₹1/kg amid tight supply, limited port inventories, and strong demand from paints and coatings. Despite bullish sentiment, downstream correction in feedstock costs may create scope for price adjustments in the near term.

Acetic Acid prices rose by ₹1/kg due to GNFC’s maintenance shutdown and delayed imports, leading to tight supply. Downstream demand remains strong, especially from Ethyl Acetate and new acetyl derivatives. Despite global feedstock softness, domestic prices remain bullish. Buyers should prepare for continued volatility and potential further price hikes.

Accordd Organics Pvt Ltd, a key domestic producer, has increased its Ethyl Acetate prices by ₹2/kg, revising the offer to ₹68++ per kg (Ex-Ahmednagar) on advance payment terms. The hike comes amid a sharp rise in feedstock costs, with domestic Acetic Acid prices climbing nearly 5% since the last week of March 2025, intensifying cost pressures for manufacturers.

Methanol prices have dropped by ₹1/kg due to lower CFR China benchmarks and increased Iranian cargo arrivals. Domestic prices were corrected by ₹2.5/kg week-on-week. Demand remains weak across key industries. While crude prices are volatile, soft downstream demand may lead to further corrections. Buyers should monitor price trends before restocking.

Acetone prices in India have increased by ₹1/kg, reaching ₹74++/kg (Ex-Dahej) due to rising demand from the paints and coatings sector and a reduction in port inventories. While demand remained stable in March, market participants expect a recovery in April, particularly from pharmaceutical intermediates like Paracetamol and Ibuprofen. Market experts anticipate continued price volatility as industry players build inventories ahead of potential price hikes.

Niacinamide prices dropped by ₹100/kg this week due to weak export demand and slow domestic consumption. Seasonal demand fluctuations and financial year-end closures further impacted trading activity. However, supply remains stable, supported by Jubilant Ingrevia’s expanded production capacity in Gujarat. With India’s Niacinamide demand growing at 6.9% CAGR, market dynamics are expected to shift.