Daily Market Report

Asian bitumen prices remained largely rangebound as demand stayed weak and supply ample across key markets. Export delays from Iran, inventory buildup in India, and mild adjustments in Iraq and Bahrain shaped regional trade. With persistent rains and slow construction activity, prices are expected to remain steady through November.

Zinc prices remained firm across major exchanges as low inventories and steady downstream demand supported the market. Seasonal restocking in China and persistent warehouse withdrawals at the LME reinforced bullish sentiment. While supply remains tight, analysts expect short-term consolidation with a slight upward bias if disruptions persist.

Stainless steel prices remained largely stable across markets, with the 200 series outperforming due to limited imports. The 300 series witnessed mild weakness, while the 400 series gained strength on firm domestic demand. Jindal Stainless’ recent price cut and global import decline have added mixed cues to near-term sentiment.

TMT bar prices remained stable this week across all key regions, with trading activity subdued due to seasonal slowdown. While short-term demand remains weak, long-term fundamentals are supported by infrastructure investments and government-led steel capacity expansion. Market sentiment is cautious yet balanced, with post-monsoon construction expected to lift demand.

Toluene prices rose ₹3/kg this week, supported by feedstock cost recovery and improved trading momentum. Demand from paints remains steady, while the pharma sector shows gradual recovery. Despite crude volatility, supply–demand conditions are balanced. Short-term outlook suggests stability with slight downside risk amid cautious buyer sentiment and steady import volumes.

PET bottle chip prices showed mixed movement during early November, with a mild recovery driven by rising crude and PX costs. Demand remains weak due to the seasonal lull and cautious procurement by end-users. Supply remains ample, and the short-term outlook is stable to slightly firm, supported by feedstock recovery and moderate operating rates.

India’s structural steel market remained steady to firm in early November 2025, supported by improved liquidity and steady post-festive demand. Primary mills maintained current price levels, though an upward revision of ₹200–₹300/MT is anticipated in the coming week if buying momentum holds. Secondary markets, especially in Raipur, Durgapur, and Mandi Gobindgarh, showed a bullish tone with tight supply in small channels and equal angles amid strong fabrication demand. Stock replenishment continued moderately in western and southern regions, while trade in the east and NCR stayed cautious due to fund rotation issues.

India’s DI and MS ERW pipe markets show contrasting trends — DI pipe demand remains strong amid supply shortages from water infrastructure projects, while MS ERW prices have risen slightly on improving liquidity and construction activity. New capacity additions may ease regional supply, but inventory overhang persists in some segments.

India’s flat steel market remains steady, with no major changes in HRC and CRC prices across key cities. Demand is stable but cautious, supported by infrastructure and housing projects. While imports and maintenance shutdowns influence supply, mills may adjust output to balance weak demand and maintain pricing stability.

Bitumen prices in India strengthened amid higher crude costs and renewed construction activity post-festive season. Refinery and emulsion grades saw firm pricing as Asian supply tightened. With crude recovering and demand improving, near-term sentiment remains bullish, and traders anticipate moderate price gains in the upcoming sessions.

Polypropylene (PP) prices continued to decline amid weak demand, high inventories, and subdued global sentiment. Domestic producers reduced prices to clear stocks, while feedstock propylene costs softened. Despite slight sentiment improvement from trade developments, oversupply persists, keeping the PP market range-bound with limited recovery expected through November 2025.

Nickel prices stood at $15,250/ton, while Copper was priced at $10,891/MT. The INR opened at 88.79 against the USD. The current retaail price for 304 CR wider 2B is approximately ₹200–205/kg (basic), and HR around ₹194–197/kg (ex-Delhi). Narrow coils are about ₹8–10/kg cheaper, plus GST. SS 316L HR (imported) material is being retailed around ₹350/kg for HR wider, while Indian material is ₹5/kg costlier.