India
China
Saudi Arabia
Qatar
Spain
GermanyQ1 2025
Linear Alkyl Benzene (LAB) prices in Qatar followed a mixed-to-firm trend in Q1 2025, ultimately closing March 2025 at USD 1385/MT, FOB Mesaieed. The quarter began with downward pricing pressure in January, driven by subdued demand from key Asian buyers, particularly China, where a slowdown in detergent and personal care manufacturing affected LAB import volumes. However, by February, market sentiment shifted positively as regional demand recovered—especially in Saudi Arabia and Spain—where seasonal restocking and increased consumption from the home care and cleaning sectors boosted procurement activity. Additionally, firming prices of feedstocks like benzene and kerosene in the Middle East added upward cost pressure on LAB production. Improved offtake from Europe and the Gulf by March further supported price gains. This gradual yet consistent recovery indicates market normalization after the early-quarter dip.
Q4 2024
In Q4 2024, LAB prices experienced a two-phase trend. In the first half of the quarter, LAB prices rose due to a combination of factors. Strong demand from the consumer goods sector, particularly for detergents during the pre-holiday season, led to an uptick in LAB consumption. Additionally, suppliers faced some logistical disruptions and tightness in raw material availability, pushing up the prices in the early part of Q4. However, this upward trajectory reversed in the second half of Q4, as the industry entered a destocking phase. Manufacturers began to reduce inventory levels, anticipating lower demand after the peak holiday period. The price decline was also influenced by a weakening of crude oil prices and lower feedstock costs. This destocking, coupled with a slower pace of global economic growth, caused a drop in LAB prices during the latter half of Q4. Overall, Q4 2024 ended with a more cautious outlook for the LAB market, as manufacturers adjusted to more stable pricing conditions for the coming year.
Q3 2024
In Q3 2024, LAB prices followed a volatile trend. During the first half of the quarter, prices saw a decrease due to a reduction in demand during the mid-summer months, traditionally a quieter period for the detergent and cleaning industries. In July 2024, LAB prices in China experienced a monthly decrease of around 2%, settling at USD 1,528/MT. This decline was linked to a reduction in upstream benzene prices, which lowered production costs for LAB. This was coupled with a temporary reduction in production costs, as feedstock prices stabilized following the highs seen in Q2. Lower demand, coupled with stable feedstock costs, led to a short-term price drop in the early part of Q3. However, the second half of the quarter saw a recovery in LAB prices as global economic conditions improved and demand rebounded, particularly in key markets like Asia and Europe. Manufacturers replenished inventories following the destocking that occurred earlier in the year, creating upward pressure on LAB prices towards the end of the quarter. This recovery also coincided with increased industrial activity in the lead-up to Q4, further driving prices back up.
Q2 2024
In Q2 2024, Linear Alkyl Benzene (LAB) prices saw a notable increase, driven by a combination of factors that affected both supply and demand. By Q2 2024, LAB prices rebounded with a 2.5% increase in China, driven by a resurgence in demand as end-use industries began restocking and ramping up production. This uptick was further fuelled by rising production costs and supply chain disruptions. Key drivers included higher feedstock costs, particularly for benzene and long-chain alkenes, which saw price surges due to limited availability and fluctuations in crude oil prices. Additionally, increased demand from detergent manufacturers in both emerging and developed markets contributed to upward price pressure. The rising production costs, combined with robust demand from the household and industrial cleaning sectors, led to LAB price increases during the second quarter. Companies across the supply chain, from petrochemical producers to end-users, faced increased operational costs, which were reflected in the market pricing.
Q1 2024
In the APAC market, Linear Alkyl Benzene (LAB) prices experienced notable fluctuations across 2024. In Q4 2023, LAB prices peaked due to high demand. However, this trend reversed in Q1 2024, when LAB prices fell by approximately -2% in China compared to the previous quarter, with similar declines observed in India. This drop was attributed to reduced demand following the peak consumption period and possibly an oversupply situation or increased production capacity.
Q1 2025
Q1 2025 exhibited a volatile pricing pattern in the Indian LAB market. The quarter opened with declining prices across Ex-Chennai and Ex-Mumbai markets, influenced by post-holiday demand fatigue and carryover inventories from the previous quarter. February brought a brief recovery—spurred by renewed CIF demand at Kolkata and Mundra, particularly from Saudi Arabia and Qatar—as restocking activity resumed. However, March witnessed another pullback in prices as domestic offtake waned. The quarter’s trajectory underscored the delicate balance between external cargo arrivals and erratic downstream consumption. Quarter closed at USD 1700/MT, Ex-Chennai.
Q4 2024
The final quarter of 2024 presented a mixed pricing environment for LAB in India. October began with moderate firmness across domestic markets, yet by November and December, prices came under pressure due to year-end inventory liquidation and a slowdown in procurement activity. Imports from Saudi Arabia (CIF Kolkata) continued to soften amid weak buying sentiment. On the contrary, select support was observed at CIF Mundra (Qatar) due to constrained availability. However, waning demand from the detergent sector in West and South India ultimately dampened overall market momentum. Quarter concluded at USD 1780/MT, Ex-Mumbai.
Q3 2024
In Q3 2024, LAB prices in India maintained a consistent upward trend, buoyed by peak-season demand from the home and industrial cleaning segments. While Ex-Chennai and Ex-Mumbai markets continued their positive momentum, CIF-based imports from Saudi Arabia and Qatar showed a contrary pattern, softening due to ample availability and tepid demand in East India. Domestic markets remained firm as downstream buyers replenished stocks amid limited local inventories. The resilience of demand in South and West India provided further upward support. Quarter ended at USD 1775/MT, Ex-Chennai.
Q2 2024
Q2 2024 saw a steady price escalation for LAB in the Indian market, supported by robust domestic demand and tightened supply conditions. Ex-Mumbai and Ex-Chennai markets witnessed bullish momentum driven by an uptick in detergent consumption and seasonal procurement ahead of the monsoon. CIF cargoes arriving at Kolkata and Mundra ports also trended higher, influenced by elevated freight costs and supply constraints from the Middle East. Indian producers capitalized on this favorable demand-supply gap, adjusting their offers upward across West and South India. Quarter closed at USD 1636/MT, Ex-Mumbai.
Q1 2024
Throughout Q1 2024, Linear Alkyl Benzene (LAB) prices across major Indian markets reflected a bearish trajectory, driven by subdued downstream demand in the detergent and cleaning agent segments. From January through February, sellers faced limited procurement interest, with both domestic (Ex-Chennai, Ex-Mumbai) and imported (CIF Kolkata, CIF Mundra) cargoes experiencing price pressure. Imports from Saudi Arabia and Qatar saw consistent declines due to excess availability and weak spot market activity. A marginal price recovery emerged in March, particularly in South and West India, as seasonal restocking commenced. However, this was insufficient to offset earlier losses. The quarter concluded at USD 1500/MT, Ex-Chennai.
Molecular Weight[g/mol]
CAS No
HS Code
Molecular Formula
Linear Alkyl Benzene (LAB) is a key raw material in the production of synthetic detergents. It is a clear, colorless liquid derived from the alkylation of benzene with long-chain alkenes, typically sourced from petroleum feedstocks. LAB plays a critical role in manufacturing surfactants for household cleaning products, industrial detergents, and personal care formulations. The primary production process involves the alkylation of benzene with linear olefins in the presence of a catalyst, followed by purification. Major producers of LAB include companies like Chevron Phillips Chemical, Reliance Industries, and Sinopec. LAB’s high biodegradability and effective cleaning properties make it a popular choice for detergent formulations globally, with significant demand in both developed and emerging markets.
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.
| Characteristics | Specification | |
| Density @ 15 DEG.C | 0.855-0.870 | |
| Bromine Index | 25 Max | |
| Saybolt Colour | +30 Min | |
| Doctor Test | Negative | |
| <C10 | 1 Max | |
| C10 | 30 Max | |
| C11 | 30-45 | |
| C12 | 20-35 | |
| C13 | 20 Max | |
| C14& above | 1 Max | |
| Completion of Sulphonation% | 98.5% Min | |
| 2-Phenyl Alkane (WT%) | 10-20 | |
Applications
Linear Alkyl Benzene used a surfactant intermediate for detergents, industry cleaners, Linear alkyl benzene sulphonic acid and personal care products.
Fluctuations in Crude Oil Prices (2021 – Present)
As economies reopened in 2021, increased demand for fuels and petrochemicals drove up the prices of LAB feedstocks like benzene and linear olefins. Simultaneously, global shipping congestion, container shortages, and rising freight costs tightened LAB availability, especially in import-reliant markets like India and Southeast Asia. These factors pushed LAB prices higher across key regions. The detergent industry, a major LAB consumer, also saw a resurgence in demand, compounding the upward pricing trend.
Russia-Ukraine Conflict (2022 – Ongoing)
In 2022, global energy prices surged due to geopolitical events—including the Russia-Ukraine conflict—impacting refining margins and feedstock availability for LAB. The cost of benzene and paraffinic derivatives rose sharply, putting further pressure on LAB producers. Additionally, uncertainty in international trade, sanctions, and regional logistical disruptions created supply chain fragmentation. These factors collectively drove LAB prices upward, with spot availability becoming erratic across both developed and emerging markets.
COVID-19 Pandemic (since 2020)
Impact: Significant changes in demand patterns and supply chain disruptions were brought about by the pandemic. The first lockdown phases had an impact on LAB production because of worker shortages and plant closures. On the other hand, there was an increased demand for cleaning and disinfectant products, which use LAB as a key ingredient, leading to price fluctuations and supply shortages.
These events underscore the Linear Alkyl Benzene (LAB) market’s vulnerability to global disruptions and highlight the need for continuous monitoring of supply-demand dynamics.
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Molecular Weight[g/mol]
CAS No
HS Code
Molecular Formula
Linear Alkyl Benzene (LAB) is a key raw material in the production of synthetic detergents. It is a clear, colorless liquid derived from the alkylation of benzene with long-chain alkenes, typically sourced from petroleum feedstocks. LAB plays a critical role in manufacturing surfactants for household cleaning products, industrial detergents, and personal care formulations. The primary production process involves the alkylation of benzene with linear olefins in the presence of a catalyst, followed by purification. Major producers of LAB include companies like Chevron Phillips Chemical, Reliance Industries, and Sinopec. LAB’s high biodegradability and effective cleaning properties make it a popular choice for detergent formulations globally, with significant demand in both developed and emerging markets.
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.
| Characteristics | Specification | |
| Density @ 15 DEG.C | 0.855-0.870 | |
| Bromine Index | 25 Max | |
| Saybolt Colour | +30 Min | |
| Doctor Test | Negative | |
| <C10 | 1 Max | |
| C10 | 30 Max | |
| C11 | 30-45 | |
| C12 | 20-35 | |
| C13 | 20 Max | |
| C14& above | 1 Max | |
| Completion of Sulphonation% | 98.5% Min | |
| 2-Phenyl Alkane (WT%) | 10-20 | |
Applications
Linear Alkyl Benzene used a surfactant intermediate for detergents, industry cleaners, Linear alkyl benzene sulphonic acid and personal care products.
The price of LAB is mainly driven by crude oil prices, since it’s made from petroleum. The costs of key raw materials like benzene and paraffin also play a big role. Other factors include supply and demand, economic conditions, and regulations that can impact production or trade.
Bulk buying helps lower LAB costs because suppliers often offer discounts on large orders. Bigger purchases also give procurement teams more power to negotiate better deals and lock in fixed prices, protecting against future price increases. Plus, bulk buying can reduce shipping costs, adding to the savings.
LAB prices are rising due to increased demand in the detergent industry and changes in raw material costs like benzene. To plan ahead, companies should track market trends, monitor raw material prices, and consider signing long-term contracts to lock in stable prices and avoid sudden hikes.
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