Daily Market Report

MIBK prices declined ₹1/kg this week due to high port inventories, weak downstream demand, and falling replacement costs. While demand from paints and packaging remains low, rubber and bulk drug sectors show early signs of revival. Deepak Phenolics’ entry may alter domestic supply dynamics by Q3 2025.

Despite weak downstream demand, domestic toluene prices in India rose ₹2/kg this week, tracking a sharp global crude oil rally. While pharma demand offers some support, monsoon-led slowdowns continue to affect paints, coatings, and packaging segments. Rising crude prices and tight refinery margins could drive further price volatility.

Acetic Acid prices in India dropped 12% amid weak downstream demand, monsoon disruptions, and cheaper Chinese imports. International prices also declined, with spot deals as low as ₹28/kg. While demand from Acetonitrile and dye sectors offers limited support, overall sentiment remains bearish, with further price corrections likely in the short term.

Acetone prices fell by ₹3/kg amid improved domestic production, steady import arrivals, and sluggish downstream demand. Paints, IPA, and DAA segments remain weak, while upcoming pharma sector demand could provide limited support. With bearish feedstock trends and rising availability, prices are expected to stay soft in the short term.

Toluene prices fell ₹2/kg amid weak demand from paints and coatings sectors and improved domestic supply. Stabilizing Middle East tensions and rising US crude inventories have further weighed on sentiment. Although pharma-related demand offers limited support, refining margins remain under pressure. A price recovery appears unlikely in the short term.

Caustic Soda Flakes and Lye prices dropped ₹2/kg due to subdued demand from key sectors like pharmaceuticals and aluminium. New supply from Sreyas Industries is adding pressure to an already oversupplied market. While demand from textiles and paper remains stable, the overall market sentiment is bearish with price pressure likely to persist.

Toluene prices rose by ₹3/kg across India, fueled by tight import supply and uncertainty around July shipments. Importers are withholding fresh offers, leading to panic buying in the spot market. Despite a price rally, downstream demand outside pharmaceuticals remains weak. Margins for refiners are under pressure as BTX spreads shrink.

Importers have lowered Acetonitrile prices by ₹5/kg this week, bringing bulk offers down to ₹100/kg Ex-Mumbai on 60 days payment terms. Traders' spot offers currently stand at ₹101/kg Ex-Kandla, also on 60 days credit terms.

Ethyl Acetate prices have surged by ₹3–4/kg across major producers due to tight raw material availability, geopolitical tensions, and rising freight costs. Output reductions and cautious supplier behavior have fueled bullish sentiment. With downstream demand firming up, prices are expected to remain volatile through June and may breach ₹75/kg.

Importers have raised Toluene prices by ₹1/kg, with bulk deals now quoted at ₹68.50++ Ex-Mumbai and ₹68.00++ Ex-Kandla on 60 days credit terms. Traders' spot offers are even firmer, ranging between ₹70-71++ Ex-Mumbai and Ex-Kandla on similar terms. Toluene prices have surged nearly ₹4.5/kg on a week-on-week basis, primarily driven by the sharp rally in crude oil prices and escalating geopolitical tensions between Iran and Israel.

Week-on-week, methanol prices have risen by ₹6/kg—triggered primarily by escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. On June 14, 2025, Iran’s South Pars gas field in Kangan (Bushehr province) was reportedly struck by an Israeli drone. The attack has severely disrupted Iranian methanol shipments and raised alarms across global petrochemical markets.

Acetic Anhydride prices declined by ₹1/kg due to weaker feedstock costs and broad market sentiment. However, rising demand from the pharmaceutical sector—especially Paracetamol production—has helped limit further downside. While supply remains ample, seasonal agrochemical demand and pharma consumption are expected to stabilize prices in the short to medium term.