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United StatesIn Q1 2025, the global Benzene market in East Asia, particularly in South Korea, saw a slight decrease in prices, with values reported at USD 886/MT, marking a slight decline of -0.45%. This minor decrease was influenced by steady but stable demand from key sectors like chemicals and automotive, which continue to be major consumers of Benzene. The market remained relatively balanced as the abundant supply of the product helped stabilize prices. While demand remained consistent, there was no significant upward pressure, resulting in a small reduction in prices.
In Q4 2024, the Benzene market in South Korea continued its downward trend, with prices reported at USD 890/MT, reflecting a decrease of -6.32% from the previous quarter. This decline was attributed to a combination of factors, including a slight dip in demand from key industries and a high availability of Benzene in the global market. With ample production and an abundant supply of the product, the market faced downward pressure, and prices were adjusted accordingly. These trends were consistent across major global markets, contributing to a general stabilization in the Benzene prices.
In Q3 2024, Benzene prices in South Korea showed a more significant decline, dropping to USD 950/MT, which represented a decrease of -9.52% from Q2 2024 levels. This stabilization was driven by several factors, including abundant global supply and limited increases in demand from major consumer sectors. The market saw lower purchasing activity, which further contributed to the softening of prices. While global production continued at steady levels, demand did not rise at the expected pace, leading to a mild oversupply situation that put downward pressure on the market.
In Q2 2024, Benzene prices in South Korea showed a positive recovery, with prices increasing to $1050/MT, reflecting a +3.96% rise from Q1. This upward trend was largely attributed to stronger demand from the automotive and packaging sectors, as well as a rebound in industrial activities post-Lunar New Year. The global market also saw a surge in demand for benzene derivatives, such as styrene and nylon, particularly in the APAC region, which helped stabilize prices. Rising crude oil prices, coupled with tightening supplies due to planned refinery maintenance in key regions, further supported the upward price movement.
In Q1 2024, the global Benzene market experienced a bearish trend, particularly in South Korea (APAC region), where prices were reported at $1010/MT. This marked a significant decrease of -11.88% from the previous quarter, driven primarily by weak demand from downstream industries, including styrene monomer and phenol manufacturers. In addition, lower crude oil prices globally contributed to the downward pressure on benzene prices. The market also saw limited export opportunities due to geopolitical tensions and sluggish industrial activity in key regions like Europe, further adding to the softness in pricing.
In Q1 2025, prices of Benzene in India continued to weaken slightly, closing at $991.12/MT, which was down by a 7.16% reduction from Q4. The post-festival season sluggishness and comparatively sluggish pick-up in industrial activity in the first half of the year resulted in muted demand. Moreover, the international market witnessed lower Benzene prices because of surplus availability and lower input costs, which were also reflected in the Indian market. Importers adopted a wait-and-watch strategy with softening freight rates and stable stocks, which also aided the price stabilization.
During Q4 2024, the market continued to record a minor reduction in Benzene prices, averaging approximately $1067.49/MT, which is down by 1.14% compared to Q3. Demand improved slightly due to the year-end and festival season, particularly from the manufacturing of packaging materials and plastic items, but the market remained mildly pressured because supply levels remained firm, and buyers kept their hands in their pockets. The reduction in movement of cargo and less congestion at Indian ports also helped in improved availability of imported material, aiding in maintaining prices under control. But pharma and chemicals sector’s good performance gave some support against sharper depreciation.
By Q3 2024, India’s Benzene prices levelled off marginally at approximately $1079.81/MT, a 5.56% drop from Q2. This price correction arrived due to a decrease in down-stream sectors’ procurement activity over the monsoons, with construction and motor vehicles being at the forefront of this. Together with this came a temporary weak export demand along with better ship availability from important world suppliers who eased some pressures on the supply side. There was also slowdown in domestic firms’ new buys because of previous quarter carry over inventory, contributing to the reduction in prices.
In Q2 2024, Indian Benzene prices remained on an uptrend, averaging $1143.15/MT, which is a growth of 11.37% over the last quarter. The sustained positive trend was fuelled by strong end-user demand across industries like resins, adhesives, and engineering plastics. Indian Benzene derivatives export demand also gained momentum with encouraging buying support from Southeast Asian and Middle Eastern regions. Increased port activity worldwide, coupled with rising container traffic and constricting shipping availability, put higher logistics costs in place, which further placed upward pressure on FOB India prices. Seasonal purchasing prior to monsoons also contributed to the high domestic demand.
During Q1 2024, the Indian Benzene market was firm on the uptrend, with prices averaging at about $1026.73/MT, representing a 10.81% rise from the last quarter. This upward movement was primarily backed by increasing international prices of Crude Oil and Toluene, which directly affect the cost of producing Benzene. Also, heavier demand from downstream markets such as Styrene, Cyclohexane, and Cumene, and higher consumption within the manufacturing and packaging industries during festivals, were among the factors that helped push the price higher. Availability of imports also became constrained due to higher freight rates and scarce vessel space, further propelling prices higher in the Indian market.
PriceWatch is your trusted resource for tracking global benzene price trends. Our platform delivers real-time data and expert analysis, offering deep insights into the key factors driving price fluctuations in the benzene market. By monitoring critical events such as geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions, and economic shifts, PriceWatch keeps you fully informed of market dynamics.
In addition, PriceWatch provides detailed forecasts and updates on production capacities, enabling you to anticipate market changes and make well-informed decisions. With PriceWatch, you gain a competitive edge in understanding all the elements that influence benzene prices worldwide. Stay ahead of the curve with PriceWatch’s reliable, accurate, and timely benzene market data.
Track PriceWatch's benzene price assessment on a weekly basis since 2015 onwards, along with short-term forecasts, and get access to the detailed report in a downloadable format.
These factors highlight the benzene market’s sensitivity to both global events and regional disruptions, emphasizing the importance of monitoring market trends for strategic decision-making.
This methodology ensures that PriceWatch delivers the most accurate, timely, and actionable benzene pricing assessments, helping clients stay ahead of market trends and make well-informed decisions.
Molecular Weight[g/mol]
CAS No
HS Code
Molecular Formula
Benzene (C₆H₆) is a colourless and highly flammable liquid with a sweet Odor, widely recognized as a key building block in the petrochemical industry. It is a simple aromatic hydrocarbon consisting of six carbon atoms arranged in a ring with alternating single and double bonds, forming a structure known as a benzene ring. Benzene is a naturally occurring substance found in crude oil and is also produced synthetically from petroleum-based feedstocks like naphtha and toluene.
Packaging Type
Grades Covered
Incoterms Used
Synonym
PriceWatch Quotation Terms:
Ex-Location: This incoterm refers to a shipping agreement where the seller makes the goods available at their premises, and the buyer is responsible for all transportation costs, including shipping, insurance, and any other fees.
CIF: CIF refers to the Cost, Insurance, and Freight (CIF) terms for goods. Under CIF terms, the seller is responsible for the cost of goods, insurance, and freight charges until the goods reach the port of destination.
FD: FD stands for Free Delivered where the seller takes full responsibility for delivering goods to the location/port. This ensures the buyer receives the goods at the designated port with all necessary costs, except import duties, covered.
FOB: FOB refers to the Free On-Board shipping term, where the seller is responsible for the cost and risk of delivering the goods to the port. Once the goods are on board the vessel, the responsibility shifts to the buyer for all costs, including shipping and insurance.
| Properties | Specification |
| Boiling point | 79 °C (1013 h Pa) |
| Density | 0.95 g/cm3 (20 °C) |
| Explosion limit | 1.4 - 8.0 %(V) |
| Flash point | -11 °C |
| Ignition temperature | 555 °C |
| Melting Point | -1 °C |
| Vapor pressure | 101 h Pa (20 °C) |
| Viscosity kinematic | 0.78 mm2/s (20 °C) |
| Solubility | 1.8 g/l |
Applications
The pricing of benzene in the global market is influenced by several factors, including:
Crude Oil Prices: Since benzene is derived from petroleum, fluctuations in crude oil prices directly impact benzene production costs.
Supply and Demand Dynamics: Global supply disruptions, such as refinery maintenance or natural disasters, can lead to shortages, pushing prices higher. Similarly, rising demand from industries like petrochemicals and plastics can drive up prices.
Geopolitical Tensions: Conflicts or trade disputes, such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict, can affect benzene production and trade routes, leading to market volatility.
Regulatory Changes: Environmental regulations, like the IMO 2020 sulphur cap, impact feedstock availability, affecting benzene production and pricing.
Seasonal demand plays a significant role in Benzene pricing. For instance, during the winter months, demand for heating fuels often increases, leading to higher crude oil prices, which in turn can affect benzene prices. Additionally, demand from the automotive and construction industries tends to rise during the summer months, driving up consumption of benzene-based products, potentially leading to price hikes. Procurement heads must monitor these seasonal trends to anticipate cost fluctuations.
Benzene price forecasts are based on several key indicators, including crude oil price trends, feedstock availability, production capacity changes, and geopolitical developments. Current market trends suggest that benzene prices may experience moderate fluctuations due to ongoing supply chain disruptions and demand recovery in industries like automotive and chemicals. However, uncertainties such as the global economic outlook and potential regulatory shifts could affect these projections. PriceWatch provides weekly updates on Benzene pricing to help procurement heads stay informed of the latest market trends.
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