Daily Market Report

Acetic Acid prices increased marginally despite global softness, driven by a weak rupee and aggressive procurement from key Indian buyers. Domestic supply remains ample, but pharma sector demand is subdued. Seasonal uptick from other sectors and ADD impact on Acetonitrile may offer short-term support. Market outlook remains volatile.

Acetone prices declined ₹2/kg this week due to weak downstream demand and rising imports. Domestic supply remains stable, but the pharma and coatings sectors saw reduced offtake. Global feedstock trends and OPEC’s crude output hike added bearish pressure. Market sentiment remains weak, with buyers advised to limit inventory.

Domestic Acetic Acid prices have softened by ₹0.5/kg, now quoted at ₹31.75++/kg Ex-Kandla and ₹32.00++/kg Ex-Mumbai for advance payment terms. For bulk volumes with 90-day credit applicable for July and August liftings, rates are at ₹32.50++/kg Ex-Kandla and ₹32.75++/kg Ex-Mumbai.

Domestic methanol prices dropped marginally after the BIS certification withdrawal. Weak downstream demand and lower replacement costs are pressuring prices. Despite steady supply, port inventories are rising due to slow offtake. Global prices show slight strength, but Indian buyers are advised to remain cautious amid a potential supply surge.

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.