Downstream Essential Demand Supports Price Increases in Pyrolysis C5 (Oct 23–29, 2026)

1. Key Market Focus for the Week

① Shandong mixed C5 prices rose by 6.86%, while Shandong pyrolysis C5 residual liquid prices increased by 6.2%.
② Deep-processed piperylene prices rose, driving petroleum resin prices up by RMB 100–200 per ton.
③ Supply volumes of pyrolysis C5 saw a slight increase.

2. Weekly Market Analysis

During the week (October 23 to October 29, 2026), industrial-grade pyrolysis C5 prices in North China rose by RMB 100 to approximately RMB 7,500/ton, with continued price increases from private refineries. On Thursday, October 29, North China pyrolysis C5 prices increased by RMB 100 to quote at RMB 7,500/ton. East China quoted at RMB 7,400/ton, Northeast China ranged from RMB 7,150 to RMB 7,650/ton, and South China quoted between RMB 7,250 and RMB 7,400/ton. Some private refineries raised their prices to the range of RMB 7,350–RMB 7,993/ton.

3. Analysis of Market Influencing Factors

Dicyclopentadiene (DCPD):
The domestic DCPD market continued its upward trend this period, with significant gains primarily supported by tight supply. Due to scarce spot availability, auction-priced spot transactions were particularly prominent. As auction prices in Daqing and Nanjing rose, spot market quotations followed suit. Downstream demand remained rigid, and combined with the execution of export orders, spot resources were difficult to source. As of October 29, factory self-pickup prices for DCPD stood at RMB 9,900–10,400/ton, while auction prices reached RMB 10,600/ton.

Piperylene:
This period, high-end domestic piperylene prices rose by RMB 300/ton, with ex-factory quotations ranging from RMB 9,200 to RMB 10,900/ton. Raw material supply remained at low levels, and overall operating rates among C5 separation enterprises were not high. Manufacturers faced little inventory pressure and held numerous pending orders, supporting sellers' willingness to maintain firm prices and reluctance to sell. Downstream adhesive resin prices edged slightly higher, with production-sales balance maintained, sustaining rigid raw material consumption. The curing agent sector remained in a loss-making position, but orders improved slightly month-on-month, leading to follow-up rigid procurement. Overall, the market was dominated by tight supply, causing prices to continue rising.

Isoprene:
Domestic isoprene prices continued their strong trend this period, with high-end quotes rising by RMB 100/ton. Mainstream market offers ranged from RMB 14,100 to RMB 15,200/ton. Raw material pyrolysis C5 prices edged slightly higher, and supply remained tight. Most C5 separation enterprises maintained low-load production, continuing the tight supply pattern and supporting sellers' firm pricing stance. Downstream SIS prices pushed slightly higher; although new order intake was weak, factory operating rates remained stable, ensuring continuous rigid raw material consumption for isoprene. Other downstream sectors had low inventory levels but decent capacity to accept goods. Under the expectation of continued tight supply, purchasing enthusiasm was boosted, resulting in a relatively active trading atmosphere for the market this week.

Pyrolysis C5 Residual Liquid:
The market for pyrolysis C5 residual liquid stabilized before rising during this period, though the average weekly price closed lower. As of October 29, the national weekly average price index for domestic pyrolysis C5 residual liquid stood at RMB 6,893/ton, down RMB 138/ton from the previous week's average, representing a decline of 1.98%. Specifically, the domestic price range for pyrolysis C5 residual liquid was RMB 6,800–6,854/ton during the week. Geopolitical conflicts in the Middle East spilled over, increasing supply risks and pushing international crude oil prices higher. Finished oil markets in Shandong maintained an upward trend. Market resources were relatively tight, prompting Shandong gasoline refineries to raise their quotations. Spot prices for homogeneous product mixed C5 rose, warming up trading sentiment. Boosted by positive market sentiment, prices for pyrolysis C5 residual liquid in some regions increased. Refineries pushed for higher shipping prices, while traders and downstream factories entered the market to operate, leading to an improvement in transaction atmosphere.

4. Next Week Market Forecast

Pyrolysis C5 prices are expected to remain stable in the next period. Key focus areas include:

1. Favorable profitability may drive up operating rates.
2. Demand from non-deep-processing downstream sectors may rise slightly, but overall downstream demand remains relatively weak; therefore, prices for pyrolysis C5 residual liquid may see a modest push upward.
3. In deep-processing directions, piperylene prices may rise slightly, while petroleum resin prices will likely see localized adjustments upward, with sporadic downward movements.