Daily Market Report

Steel prices across Mumbai, Delhi NCR, and Vizag remain stable as distributors manage inventories amid weak seasonal demand. Shree TMT achieved recognition as one of India’s top 10 steel bar manufacturers, reinforcing its leadership in quality and innovation. Market sentiment stays cautious, with subdued buying and limited scope for further price cuts.

Indian polymer markets showed mixed trends in September 2025. PET and PVC prices rose on strong packaging and construction demand, while PE and PP weakened due to subdued consumption in packaging, automotive, and textiles. Crude oil volatility remains a key factor shaping short-term price movement across polymer grades.

Ethyl acetate markets showed mixed trends as acetic acid softened domestically but firmed in China. Ethanol prices surged on higher blending mandates, while methanol declined. Strong downstream demand and GST cuts for polymers are expected to boost momentum. Rising exports may create domestic shortages, keeping the outlook volatile yet firm.

Crude oil prices remained stable at $66–68/bbl, supported by geopolitical supply risks. Bitumen prices stayed mostly steady across key regions, with India seeing only a marginal rise. Demand in India, China, and Europe stayed muted due to monsoon, rainfall, and holidays, though recovery is expected post-September as activity resumes.

Stainless steel prices remain mixed across grades. 304 CR wider trades at ₹196–200/kg, while 316L HR stands at ₹350/kg. Demand is weak in the 300 series but firm in the 200 and 400 series, supported by shortages and rising PVC No.4 material demand. JSL has announced fresh price hikes.

IPA prices in India corrected to ₹80–84/kg amid oversupply from imports and weak sentiment linked to softer propylene and acetone values. Demand remains concentrated in pharmaceuticals and personal care, together forming half of consumption. Market outlook stays bearish short term, but recovery is expected as bulk drug output strengthens.

PET bottle chip prices in China witnessed weak performance in early to mid-August, pressured by subdued market sentiment. By August 28th, average selling prices stood at USD 840/ton.

Acetone prices in India firmed to ₹60/kg amid stable supply and subdued demand. Imports matched domestic offers, while Asian benchmarks continued downward corrections. Feedstock costs declined, supporting production. Demand from bulk drugs remains weak, but personal care, adhesives, and inks are expected to drive recovery post-monsoon.

Steel prices across regions remained largely stable amid weak seasonal demand and consistent distributor inventory. The Essar Steel insolvency case resurfaced in NCLT, raising compliance concerns over ArcelorMittal-linked transactions. While manufacturers hold back on major revisions, market sentiment reflects subdued demand, restrained purchasing activity, and cautious supply management.

Zinc prices firmed across global exchanges, supported by falling LME inventories and stronger Chinese demand. While ILZSG projects a surplus of ~93,000 t in 2025, short-term sentiment remains bullish. Russian mine delays and tight concentrate supply may cushion against downside, keeping MCX zinc in upward momentum near-term.

The base oils market stayed mostly steady to soft, with Group I pressured by excess Iranian and Chinese supply. Group II remained capped by weak crude and feedstock values, while Group III stayed broadly stable, though 4 cSt and 8 cSt showed localized weakness. Buyers continued cautious, need-based procurement.

Procurement in the primary market remains largely need-based, with stockists clearing older inventories and subcontractors showing resistance due to tight budgets. ISMB demand stays firm, driven by metro and highway projects. In the secondary market, fabrication activity has improved post-monsoon in central and eastern states, with Raipur–Raigarh mills running at 70–75% capacity. However, availability remains limited for ISMC 100 and smaller angles.