Linear Alkyl Benzene Sulphonic Acid (LABSA) Price Trend Analysis: Q1 2024
LABSA prices in Q1 2024 showed mild fluctuations across India as markets adjusted post-year-end slowdowns. In early January, cautious procurement and inventory drawdowns weighed on prices in Gandhidham and East India. However, rising demand from cleaning product manufacturers and recovery in institutional consumption boosted sentiment by February.
The 90% grade saw more stability across West and Kolkata markets, where detergent production gradually picked up. Meanwhile, 96% grade demand remained subdued in East India due to lack of large-volume buyers. Feedstock prices for LAB remained within a stable range, with no significant cost pressure.
Traders at FOB Mundra saw steady inquiries but avoided bulk commitments due to price uncertainty. While regional differences persisted, overall market tone improved toward quarter-end, supported by better downstream performance. The quarter wrapped up on a stable note, with LABSA 90%, Ex-Gandhidham closing at USD 1258/MT.
Linear Alkyl Benzene Sulphonic Acid (LABSA) Price Trend Analysis: Q2 2024
LABSA prices in India registered steady gains throughout Q2 2024 as seasonal demand strengthened, particularly from household cleaning and FMCG sectors. The 90% grade saw strong traction in Kolkata, West, and East India, supported by higher production of liquid detergents during the summer months.
Anticipation of monsoon-related logistics disruptions in Q3 further encouraged stockpiling. Feedstock Linear Alkyl Benzene costs edged higher due to firm crude trends, which added cost pressure across production hubs. Exporters at FOB Mundra recorded better international interest, mainly from Southeast Asian buyers, further tightening domestic availability.
The 96% grade in East India showed signs of softness initially but later aligned with the broader uptrend. Overall, demand fundamentals remained supportive with stable supply chains and firm institutional procurement. The quarter concluded with LABSA 90%, Ex-Kolkata priced at USD 1275/MT.
Linear Alkyl Benzene Sulphonic Acid (LABSA) Price Trend Analysis: Q3 2024
In Q3 2024, LABSA prices in India were marked by volatility as contrasting trends emerged across regions. July saw patchy demand due to monsoon disruptions and weak off-take in Kolkata and East India. Some recovery was observed in August with increased cleaning chemical consumption in urban areas, but September ended on a bearish note due to excessive inventory and lacklustre export orders.
The 96% grade, largely traded in East and Kolkata markets, remained under pressure throughout the quarter. Meanwhile, procurement in Gandhidham and West India fluctuated with inconsistent manufacturing schedules among mid-sized buyers.
Feedstock costs were relatively stable, but operational constraints and weak consumer spending in rural zones limited growth. Most regions reported gradual price declines by quarter-end. The quarter closed lower, with LABSA 96%, Ex-Kolkata settling at USD 1343/MT.
Linear Alkyl Benzene Sulphonic Acid (LABSA) Price Trend Analysis: Q4 2024
LABSA prices in India saw mixed trends during Q4 2024, influenced by regional variations in demand and inventory adjustments. In Gandhidham and West India, 90% grade prices rose steadily as demand surged from institutional cleaning and textile industries. Meanwhile, Kolkata and East India saw weaker performance for the 96% grade, attributed to high base inventories and slower off-take from mid-sized detergent manufacturers.
Market sentiment improved in December with festive and year-end restocking. Feedstock prices remained stable, but strategic buying in Western and port-adjacent regions contributed to the firm tone.
Export demand from FOB Mundra improved marginally, helping offset slower domestic movement in a few eastern hubs. Despite these mixed signals, the quarter ended on a stronger note, with LABSA 90%, Ex-Gandhidham closing at USD 1285/MT.