Chemical Updates

India Methanol: Thin spot discussions amid uncertain trade environment / India methanol falls as buyers delay Sep purchases / Prompt ex-tank prices hover around Rupees 53-54/kg / India-China spread stands at $174/mt

Aug 03, 2026

India’s methanol market softened in the week ended July 31 as buyers delayed purchases amid crude oil volatility and supply uncertainty stemming from Middle East conflict, keeping spot discussions limited and pushing negotiations forward to late August and September arrival cargoes. The front-month ICE Brent futures contract declined $3.89/b to $88.20/b July 31 as ship traffic through two critical Middle East maritime chokepoints increased, easing supply concerns despite escalating conflict between the US and Iran. The crude volatility weighed on overall trading momentum as both buyers and sellers remained unclear about the near-term price trajectory, market sources said. CFR India methanol at $494/mt July 31, up $1/ mt day over day but down $22/mt week over week. Spot discussions were limited and negotiations moved forward to Aug. 20-Sept. 14 arrival...

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