January 30 — In January 2026, environmental inspections in North China and Northwest China were intensified, leading to a 10%–15% reduction in production at coal-to-methanol plants (which have high energy consumption per unit of GDP). Natural gas-to-methanol plants prioritized residential gas supply, resulting in a phased contraction in supply and providing short-term support for prices. Meanwhile, green methanol projects (e‑methanol/bio‑based methanol) were encouraged with carbon emission reduction subsidies (RMB 200–300 per ton). Chempricehub’s analysis of methanol gave a long‑short score of +1.5. The article noted that intensified environmental inspections in North China and Northwest China caused a 10%–15% cut in coal‑based methanol output, while natural gas‑based units prioritized residential gas, leading to a phased supply contraction and short‑term support for spot prices. At the same time, green methanol projects received carbon reduction subsidies (RMB 200–300 per ton), which may promote a long‑term supply transition but have a neutral impact on short‑term prices. Combined with methanol futures data (e.g., Zhengzhou Commodity Exchange contract 2605 closing at RMB 2,352/ton, up +12.00, with open interest down 9,459), expectations of tight supply could push futures prices higher, reflecting a bullish market sentiment. The overall score of +1.5 (between moderate and significant positive) reflects the substantial production cuts and strong short‑term support, although the subsidy policy partly offsets the positive effect of reduced supply.