Prices slightly declined (September 18, 2026)

1. Today's Summary

① Sinopec East China lowered its posted price for pure benzene by 300 RMB/ton, now at 9,600 RMB/ton.

② In Shandong today, non-contract transactions for pure benzene totaled approximately 1,500 tons. Ex-works prices ranged from 9,320 to 9,450 RMB/ton, with an average of 9,385 RMB/ton, down 248 RMB/ton from the previous trading day.

③ Spot negotiations for pure benzene in East China settled between 9,350 and 9,490 RMB/ton, averaging 9,420 RMB/ton, a decrease of 80 RMB/ton from the previous trading day.

④ As of September 14, total commercial inventory of pure benzene at Jiangsu ports stood at 38,000 tons, an increase of 2,000 tons from the previous period's 36,000 tons.

2. Spot Market Overview

Table 1: Domestic Hydrogenated Benzene Price Summary (Unit: RMB/ton)

Based on the Shandong region as a benchmark, prices in Lubei remained stable today, while prices in Southwest Shandong saw a slight decline. Main production area quotes were reported at 9,300 RMB/ton, with local refineries dropping to 9,320–9,450 RMB/ton. In the afternoon, major refinery posted prices were cut by 300 RMB/ton. Both main production area local refineries and hydrogenated benzene producers followed this downward trend, although transaction volumes were not robust. Market participants are watching for future guidance; delivered prices for hydrogenated benzene in Jiangsu are currently referenced at 9,400–9,500 RMB/ton.

3. Production Dynamics

On September 17, the operating rate for hydrogenated benzene increased by 1.82 percentage points to 59.42%. Weekly production of hydrogenated benzene was 78,800 tons, a week-on-week increase of 2,400 tons. This week, profits for hydrogenated benzene enterprises in Shandong decreased, standing at -83 RMB/ton.

4. Price Forecast

Domestic hydrogenated benzene market prices experienced a slight decline today. Crude oil futures continued to retreat, leading to a broad decline across commodity futures and weakening market sentiment. Spot prices for both pure benzene and hydrogenated benzene faced downward pressure. Some traders and downstream users with rigid demand made purchases, resulting in moderate market activity. In the short term, crude oil retreating from highs may suppress hydrogenated benzene prices, maintaining a corrective trend, though attention must still be paid to the latest developments in the Middle East situation.

5. Related Product Status

Pure Benzene Market: Driven by falling oil prices, both futures markets and sentiment weakened significantly, with local refinery offers shifting lower again. Premiums varied widely among different refineries during the day, with some offering substantial premiums.

6. Data Calendar

Table 2: Domestic Hydrogenated Benzene Data Overview (Unit: RMB/ton, 10k tons)