March 12 — The mainstream quotation range for toluene in the Shandong market is 7,380–7,430 yuan/ton, with prices rising by 500 yuan/ton compared to the previous trading day. Major local refineries in the province have generally raised their ex-factory prices today, and some manufacturers are holding back sales and temporarily refraining from shipping. Yesterday, toluene and xylene prices experienced narrow fluctuations. Overnight, driven by rising crude oil prices and a significant surge in the aromatics night market, spot market prices followed the upward trend at today's opening. Sellers exhibited strong reluctance to sell, with a pronounced wait-and-see sentiment prevailing, leading to subdued market activity. Currently, the international situation remains uncertain, coupled with tight domestic supply, and it is expected that the spot market will continue to experience fluctuations in the near term, with bullish sentiment once again heating up. Chempricehub Analysis: Toluene, Bull-Bear Score: 2 Spot prices of toluene have risen sharply by 500 yuan/ton to 7,380–7,430 yuan/ton, driven by rising crude oil prices and a surge in the aromatics night market. Tight supply has led sellers to hold back on sales, resulting in subdued market activity but strong bullish sentiment. Prices are expected to fluctuate upward in the near term, with significant positive factors at play. Xylene, Bull-Bear Score: 1 Xylene prices are influenced by crude oil and the aromatics market and may follow the upward trend of toluene. However, the article only mentions narrow fluctuations, with a strong wait-and-see sentiment prevailing and subdued market activity. Against the backdrop of tight supply, prices are expected to rise moderately, with a generally positive outlook.