Chemical Updates

Asian MTBE: FOB Singapore prices jump as demand improves / Chinese sellers hesitant to offer amid uncertainty / Malaysia’s Hengyuan Refining buys 10,000 mt of MTBE

Aug 03, 2026

Asian MTBE FOB Singapore prices were up $52.21/ metric ton day over day at $1,015.91/mt on July 31, with the cash differential to FOB Singapore 92 RON gasoline Mean of Singapore strip (15-40 days) rising to plus $11.58/barrel. Spot MTBE prices in Singapore rose contrary to expectations, several traders said, even as upstream crude oil values moved sharply lower in the day. Crude oil futures fell in midafternoon Asian trading July 31, as ship traffic through key Middle East choke points recovered and traders took profits after a sharp monthly rally, though geopolitical risks continued to support prices, with freight costs and insurance premiums elevated. Improving demand and potentially tightening supplies could be pushing prices higher, a Chinese producer said. However, for Chinese-origin MTBE, thin trading activity was reported in...

Exclusive market movement data, shipping lineups, demand signals and pricing rationale continue in full report.

Unlock complete article access with a paid account.

Continue Reading With Membership

This is a preview. Login and activate a paid plan to read the complete article.