Chemical Updates

South Asia Polyethylene: Prices gain further strength amid ongoing Middle East Crisis / PE prices up $20-$60/mt WOW across grades / New offers expected next week

Jul 25, 2026

The South Asian polyethylene market gained further strength amid confusion over availability and shipping routes in the week to July 22, following the resumption and escalation of the Middle East crisis. Amid overnight Houthi attacks, ship brokers and owners were skeptical about moving from the Red Sea, reducing the availability of material. Higher freights and insurance were noted from Jeddah port as well, said a market source, while one trader commented that the Red Sea option does not exist anymore. A market source said that, once again, lead times were expected to increase further. According to market sources, the second onset of the crisis is creating panic among end users, who have been holding limited inventories and expect prices to go up if the war situation escalates further. Current inventories...

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