Daily Market Report

India's oil market remains tight as refiners rush to replace Russian crude amid geopolitical tensions and Western scrutiny. Brent and WTI prices remain steady, but Indian bitumen prices vary across grades and locations. Urgent tenders and sourcing shifts point to rising procurement costs and heightened volatility in global energy markets.

PP prices remain under pressure amid weak demand and abundant supply. Domestic rates vary across India, with MRPL's lamination grade reaching ₹1,00,000/MT. China’s PP prices dropped 2.06% since early July. Limited cost support and upcoming capacity additions in H2 2025 are likely to keep the market rangebound and volatile.

Steel prices have increased across regions due to supply shortages caused by maintenance activities at the Angul and Dolvi plants. Despite the usual monsoon lull, demand remains steady. Imports dropped 28.8% in Q1 FY2025, mainly from China and Japan. Domestic producers are adjusting pricing and production strategies amid rising orders and low distributor inventories.

Stainless steel prices remain stable in the 300 series, while the 200 and 400 series are witnessing strength due to limited imports and rising demand. Nickel is trading at $15,269/ton and copper at $9,793/ton. Scrap procurement remains active. Jindal Stainless has entered a strategic partnership with Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya to promote research and academic collaboration in steel applications.

ABS prices declined in China and remained range-bound in India amid weak demand and elevated inventories. Domestic supply is ample due to higher plant operations and restarts. Feedstock costs like acrylonitrile and styrene remain weak. With no clear upward triggers, ABS prices are expected to stay under pressure in the near term.

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.

Zinc prices remain stable across LME, SHFE, and MCX, though market sentiment stays bearish due to oversupply concerns. ILZSG forecasts a global surplus of 93,000 t in 2025. Treatment charges have hit a five-year low, reflecting weak market fundamentals. MCX zinc is trading near resistance, but a strong demand revival is needed to break the upside cap.

Bitumen and base oil prices showed mixed regional trends, with sharp drops in VG40 and firm furnace oil rates. Crude oil markets strengthened on falling U.S. inventories and Russian export cuts. Despite temporary supply easing from Venezuela, global prices are expected to remain firm, supported by supply constraints and geopolitical developments.

Rebar prices showed mixed trends across Indian markets, rising in regions like Ahmedabad and Jalna due to cost-push and buying interest. Monsoon disruptions and mill shutdowns are limiting supply in pockets, while global markets remain steady to muted. Prices are expected to remain firm in the short term, with regional differences.

PVC prices remained flat or softened across Asia amid weak demand, seasonal monsoons, and cautious buying sentiment. China and Vietnam saw price corrections due to reduced construction activity. Indian demand stayed sluggish with adequate supply. Upcoming plant shutdowns may limit supply, but price recovery is expected post-monsoon.

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.

Prices for both DI and MS ERW pipes remained steady despite weak demand caused by monsoon-related project delays and funding bottlenecks. DI pipe producers are fulfilling older bookings with extended lead times, while MS ERW manufacturers are offering discounts to clear high inventories. Meanwhile, Maruti Ispat launched a new ERW pipe brand—MS VAYU, and Tata Metaliks is expanding its DI pipe range to 1200 mm, anticipating stronger demand post-monsoon.