March 19th — The mainstream quotation range for toluene in the South China market today is 7,500–7,800 yuan/ton, up 10 yuan/ton from the previous trading day. In the previous trading day, toluene and xylene prices rose slightly, with significant support from both cost and supply sides. The ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have kept energy prices at elevated levels, coupled with expectations of tightening domestic spot resources, leading to firm offers from suppliers and a growing reluctance to sell. However, downstream buyers remain cautious and risk-averse, with limited follow-through in spot transactions, which restricts further upward price movement. The market is expected to experience high volatility within the day, with a focus on actual transaction volumes and changes in downstream purchasing patterns.