Daily Market Report

Aluminium prices gained slightly on the LME and in India as Hindalco and Balco raised ingot rates by ₹3,500/MT. Domestic premiums remained firm due to healthy local demand, while the LME Asian Reference price declined 1.8%, reflecting regional weakness. BALCO’s new 525 kA smelter signals future capacity expansion.

The global bitumen market showed mixed trends this week due to oversupply, weak demand in India and East Asia, and geopolitical uncertainties like Middle East tensions, Iran sanctions, and the U.S. government shutdown. While overall prices remained under pressure, regional fluctuations in Europe and China indicate localized dynamics influencing short-term movements. Future market direction will depend on crude oil trends, post-monsoon demand recovery in South Asia, and ongoing geopolitical developments.

Polyethylene and Polypropylene prices softened in early October amid weak downstream demand, high inventories, and muted buying in Asia. While crude oil strength offered limited cost support, both domestic and imported prices trended lower. Market sentiment remains cautious, with limited restocking expected until post-Diwali demand recovery.

Acetic Acid prices in India continued their downward trend amid weak methanol feedstock and cautious downstream demand. Despite international prices firming slightly on Chinese restocking, domestic sentiment remains subdued. Stable supply, potential post-monsoon VAM demand, and gradual recovery in pharmaceuticals could support market stabilization through October.

Stainless steel HRC and CRC prices remained steady across Delhi, Mumbai, and Kanpur, supported by firm realizations despite minor volume drops. Jindal Stainless expanded fabrication capacity in Mumbai, signaling confidence in infrastructure-led demand growth. Shyam Metalics reported lower sales but higher realizations, indicating stable pricing strength amid short-term supply pressure.

Zinc prices held steady across global exchanges as tightening inventories and improved domestic demand supported sentiment. LME futures hovered above $3,000/MT, while HZL and Vedanta reported record production for H1 FY26. Despite firm fundamentals, upside potential appears limited unless fresh supply disruptions emerge in key producing regions.

Channel steel prices remained steady this week, with the secondary market showing renewed firmness post-monsoon. Primary mills maintained base levels amid cautious trading. Tight supply in Raipur and Mandi Gobindgarh supports a mildly bullish near-term outlook. Buyers are advised to secure short-term needs before potential price increases mid-October.

Markets reported no price changes in HRC and CRC compared to the previous day in a few geographical locations. India’s HRC demand is expected to remain strong in the medium term, but short-term consumption is limited due to cautious buyer sentiment.

Bitumen markets remain subdued across Asia and India, with prices stagnant amid weak demand and monsoon disruptions. East Asia and China face further pressure from weather and sluggish consumption, while Europe stabilizes. Iran stays fragile under sanctions and currency depreciation. Demand recovery in India is unlikely before post-monsoon construction activity.

Domestic MDC prices dropped ₹1–2/kg due to weak pharma demand, while volatile methanol feedstock costs, driven by oversupply in China and U.S. sanctions on Iran, added uncertainty. Global crude softness further weighed on sentiment. With steady production but sluggish consumption, MDC prices are expected to stay mixed in the near term.

ADC12 aluminum alloy prices held steady near RMB 20,800–21,000/t as pre-holiday buying faded and inventories rose sharply. Scrap supply remains tight, supporting costs, while extended downstream holidays and weak die-casting demand limit consumption. Import losses widen, and silicon metal supply growth adds pressure, keeping near-term prices largely range-bound.

Indian PET prices steadied at ₹88/kg by late September, while China PET bottle chip prices rebounded slightly to 5,900 RMB/ton after early-month weakness. Oversupply and weak downstream demand keep market activity muted. Falling crude oil and PTA costs weigh on margins, limiting the scope for a sustained price recovery.