Daily Market Report

Polymer markets remain cautious amid falling crude prices and U.S. tariffs. PE and PP buyers are holding back, anticipating further price drops. PVC demand is hit by cheaper imports, prompting anti-dumping duty action. Key price cuts from JPFL and RIL signal inventory pressure. Markt players await clarity on trade and pricing trends before major moves.

Methanol import offers in India have moved up by ₹1/kg amid slight improvement in buying interest, though trader sentiment remains mixed due to bearish signals from international markets. With steady domestic supply and incoming Iranian cargoes, buyers are proceeding cautiously. Weak downstream demand continues to weigh on pricing, especially in the amines, MTBE, and acetic acid sectors.

Structural steel prices remain firm across both primary and secondary markets, driven by strong infrastructure execution, robust restocking by fabricators, and full mill order books through mid-May. While primary market prices have seen incremental hikes, secondary prices are also on an upward trend, especially for fast-moving sections. Buyers are advised to act early as mills hint at another round of price hikes by late April.

Primary TMT prices continue to rise across regions amid a market shortage and earlier bulk purchases by contractors in March. India’s steel demand is projected to grow by 8–9% in 2025, with infrastructure and housing continuing to lead consumption. While current prices remain high, they may ease as buying activity slows.

PET prices remain under pressure due to oversupply, weak demand, and falling upstream costs. Despite a slight recovery in Chinese prices, inventories are high and demand sluggish. Crude oil and feedstock volatility continue to erode cost support, keeping the market bearish. Short-term pricing depends on demand revival and production adjustments.

Acetic Acid prices have surged due to supply tightness driven by GNFC’s shutdown, delayed imports, and low port inventories. Importers and traders have raised prices, with downstream sectors like Ethyl Acetate reacting with immediate hikes. Continued demand growth and limited supply are expected to keep prices firm and volatile in April.

Oil prices have dipped to a four-year low, benefiting oil-importing nations like India through lower import bills and reduced inflationary pressures. Despite global market volatility and geopolitical tensions, India's economy stands to gain. However, domestic fuel prices remain unchanged amid uncertainty, while experts forecast crude to stay below $75/barrel.

Polypropylene prices in India remain relatively stable, though global markets face bearish pressure. Increased imports, weak demand from key sectors, and geopolitical trade tensions are weighing on sentiment. European supply is ample despite plant outages, and bearish crude trends continue to influence market expectations, potentially keeping PP prices soft in May.

India’s oil and gas sector is facing mounting pressure from weak global crude prices, macroeconomic uncertainty, and volatile equity markets. While refined product demand shows resilience, upstream players like Oil India are struggling. Domestic lubricant and fuel prices remain steady, but investor sentiment and stock performance are turning increasingly cautious.

Primary TMT prices increased across Mumbai, Delhi NCR, and Vizag due to increased distributor rates and strong demand from infrastructure projects. India continues to show strong steel consumption despite a global decline, driven by active tenders and capacity utilization. Rising costs and delayed projects, however, are expected to impact overall steel exports.

Nickel and copper prices opened significantly higher. Stainless steel prices remain steady with a slight upward trend across key grades. The 200 series continues to see strong domestic demand due to limited imports, while global trade moves—like US tariffs and EU dialogues—are reshaping sourcing strategies. Experts expect prices to remain strong, especially for 300 and 400 series grades.

MIBK prices in India declined amid subdued demand, high port inventories, and falling replacement costs. Offers are now INR 116–119/kg depending on payment terms. While demand remains weak in bulk drug and rubber sectors, stable offtake in paints and coatings provides limited support. Deepak Phenolics’ entry may shift future supply trends.