Diethylene Glycol Pricing Assessment
UNSPC: 12161500

• Russia-Ukraine Conflict (2022):  Russia and Ukraine are key players in the chemical industry. Disruptions in production and transport routes due to the conflict have led to shortages in various chemicals, including DEG. The instability in Eastern Europe has contributed to decreased prices for chemicals. As supply tightened and demand remained, prices for DEG and related products surged. The conflict has also affected energy prices, impacting production costs for chemicals. The geopolitical situation has created a volatile market, leading to unpredictable price fluctuations for DEG and other industrial chemicals. Companies have had to seek alternative suppliers or adjust their supply chains, which can also affect pricing and availability. 
• Texas Winter Storm (2021): The severe weather caused widespread power outages and shut down many chemical plants in Texas, a major hub for chemical production. This resulted in decreased production of DEG and other chemicals. The disruption caused by the storm contributed to ongoing volatility in the chemical market, with fluctuating prices in the weeks and months following the event. 
• COVID-19 Pandemic (2020):  With the rise in demand for disinfectants and sanitizers, which often contain DEG or its derivatives, there was a spike in interest in chemicals like DEG, contributing to price fluctuations. Initial supply shortages coupled with demand shifts led to volatile pricing for DEG. Some suppliers raised prices due to the increased costs of production and logistics. 
• Geopolitical Tensions (2018-2019):  The uncertainty surrounding international relations during this period created a volatile market environment, where prices for DEG could swing based on news related to trade policies or sanctions. 
• Shale Gas Boom (2010s): With increased feedstock supply and reduced production costs, prices for DEG and other related chemicals often experienced downward pressure. This made DEG more competitively priced in various applications. 
• Global Financial Crisis (2008-2009): Many chemical manufacturers faced financial challenges and were forced to reduce production or temporarily shut down facilities. This led to supply chain disruptions but also contributed to a temporary oversupply of DEG as inventory levels built up. Prices for DEG experienced volatility during the crisis. Initially, the drop in demand pushed prices down, but as production cuts were implemented, prices began to stabilize. 
• Hurricane Katrina (2005): The crisis created a volatile market environment, with fluctuations in prices due to uncertainties surrounding supply restoration and recovery efforts. 
• Oil Price Shocks (1970s-1980s): The economic turmoil caused by oil price shocks affected demand across various sectors, leading to fluctuations in the overall demand for chemicals, including DEG. 

These events underscore the Diethylene Glycol market’s vulnerability to global disruptions and highlight the need for continuous monitoring of supply-demand dynamics.