Daily Market Report

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.

India’s bitumen prices stayed resilient in late October 2025 amid high freight costs, currency weakness, and supply-chain tightness. Post-festive construction demand is gradually recovering, though import dependency and global uncertainty persist. The market outlook remains firm-to-steady with mild upward potential through the remainder of the fiscal year.

India’s steel market continues to face pressure from oversupply and muted trade sentiment, with both flat and long products extending losses through October. While post-festive demand could offer short-term relief, structural challenges such as inventory overhang and global surplus are expected to keep prices subdued in the coming quarter.

TMT bar prices across major regions - Mumbai, Delhi NCR, and Vizag - remained steady amid continued demand weakness and sufficient inventory. Despite subdued construction activity and raw material constraints, manufacturers are maintaining price stability. Market sentiment remains cautious, though medium-term prospects hinge on infrastructure and housing demand recovery.

Zinc prices held firm across major exchanges on October 29, 2025, supported by tight LME inventories (~37 kt) and steady downstream demand in China. SHFE zinc maintained strength within the ¥22,200–22,600/mt range, while MCX futures traded near ₹308.25/kg. Analysts expect consolidation with an upward bias amid limited fresh supply.

Global polyethylene (PE) prices remained largely stable through mid-October 2025, with Asian markets showing marginal declines and U.S. prices holding steady. Supply remained sufficient despite limited demand recovery. Higher crude oil costs offered some support, but overall market sentiment stayed cautious amid weak downstream activity and moderate import interest.

Domestic Acetic Acid prices in India strengthened through October 2025, driven by firm methanol feedstock costs and cautious downstream demand. While global methanol prices softened under tariff pressure, domestic supply remained stable. Post-festive demand recovery from pharmaceutical and packaging sectors is expected to support prices into early November.

India’s crude import dependence hit 88% in FY26 Q2 amid rising global supply risks. Brent crude stayed above $63/bbl, supported by freight hikes and reduced Russian discounts. Domestic bitumen prices remained elevated, reflecting cost pressures on refiners. Sanctions, shipping costs, and INR depreciation continue to shape short-term pricing volatility.

European PVC prices softened amid weak demand and sufficient supply, while China reported a modest rise in imports reflecting gradual recovery. Feedstock trends remained mixed, with ethylene declining and EDC/VCM firming slightly. The market is expected to stay range-bound with limited volatility and stable-to-soft sentiment across regions.