Easing restrictions in east China
supporting benzene sentiment Japan steam cracker operation rate at
96.1% in March



Spot prices for Asian
benzene were supported by strong bids and bullish sentiments from downstream
markets. Physical discussions began slowly in the
morning trading session. Bids were heard at $1,155-1,185/mt for the June shipment
FOB Korea cargoes. The offer level was at $1,160-1,180/mt. The afternoon trading session saw the bids rise to $1,160-1,180/mt
FOB Korea for June delivery and $1,175-1,195/mt H2 May delivery. Before MOC closed at 16:30 Singapore Time, no deals were
made. The overall paper market discussion
slowed down following firm sentiment. While the inter-month spread between May/June
increased by $1/mt at $9/mt, a bid of $8/mt was offered. Bullish sentiment was expressed by the benzene markets due
to the ease in China's east China restrictions....