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United States
Saudi Arabia
India
Mexico
Turkey
ArgentinaIn Q1 2025, prices softened to $1,084/ton, a 1.28% decrease from Q4. The slight dip reflected normalized supply levels and cautious procurement from downstream buyers amid expectations of stable near-term market conditions. Saudi Arabian prices Increased to $822/ton, rising 5.52% from Q4. The increase was supported by restocking activities and a slight uptick in regional and export demand, hinting at a possible shift toward market recovery. These Price Changes Impacted countries like India, Mexico, Argentina and Turkey.
In Q4 2024, Prices surged to $1,098/ton in Q4 2024, marking an 8.50% increase. The rise was driven by robust seasonal demand and tight supply conditions, particularly in the Gulf Coast region, pushing prices to a yearly high. Saudi Prices dropped to $779/ton in Q4 2024, marking a 2.75% decline. Ongoing global oversupply and moderate demand from polymer industries contributed to continued pricing softness across the region. These Price Changes Impacted countries like India, Mexico, Argentina and Turkey.
In Q3 2024, American Linear Alpha Olefins (LAO) prices dipped slightly to $1,012/ton, down just 0.20% from the previous quarter. The market remained mostly balanced as consistent consumption from industrial users helped stabilize the price movement. Saudi Arabian LAO prices slipped to $801/ton in Q3 2024, a 4.64% decrease. Although local demand remained consistent, increased inventories and limited export recovery kept prices on a downward path. These Price Changes Impacted countries like India, Mexico, Argentina and Turkey.
In Q2 2024, American Linear Alpha Olefins (LAO) Prices dropped to $1,014/ton in Q2 2024, a 4.43% decline from Q1. Despite steady downstream demand, improved supply availability and easing feedstock costs drove the price correction across domestic markets. Saudi Arabian LAO Prices declined further to $840/ton in Q2 2024, down 8.40% from Q1. Ample supply and competitive regional pricing continued to pressure the market, while downstream industries operated with stable but cautious demand. These Price Changes Impacted countries like India, Mexico, Argentina and Turkey.
In Q1 2024, Linear Alpha Olefin (LAO) prices in the USA averaged $1,061/ton with a rise of 4.33%. The increase was supported by firm demand from polyethylene and surfactant sectors, along with tighter supply due to scheduled plant maintenance. Linear Alpha Olefin (LAO) prices in Saudi Arabia fell to $917/ton, an 8.67% decline from $1,004/ton in Q4 2023. The drop was attributed to subdued export demand and lower feedstock costs, despite steady domestic consumption levels. These Price Changes Impacted countries like India, Mexico, Argentina and Turkey.
Indian Prices increased to $892/ton in Q1 2025, with a 5.06% change. The recovery was driven by restocking activities and improved demand from the packaging and chemical sectors, suggesting early signs of market stabilization.
Indian LAO (Linear Alpha Olefins) prices declined to $849/ton in Q4 2024, down 3.08% from Q3. Although downstream industries maintained stable operations, competitive pricing from international suppliers weighed on the Indian market.
In Q3 2024, prices edged down to $876/ton, a modest 1.68% drop. The market remained largely balanced, with domestic demand holding steady but with limited support from international trade.
Prices fell further to $891/ton in Q2 2024, a 7.48% decrease from the previous quarter. Weak global market sentiment and high inventory levels pressured domestic pricing despite consistent performance in end-use industries.
In Q1 2024 Linear Alpha Olefin (LAO) prices in India was $963/ton with a change of 5.77%. The decline was driven by reduced import prices and a steady supply environment, while downstream demand from the plastics and detergent sectors remained stable.
PriceWatch is your trusted resource for tracking global linear alpha olefins (lao) price trends. Our platform delivers real-time data and expert analysis, offering deep insights into the key factors driving price fluctuations in the linear alpha olefins (lao) 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 linear alpha olefins (lao) prices worldwide. Stay ahead of the curve with PriceWatch’s reliable, accurate, and timely linear alpha olefins (lao) market data.
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These events highlight the LAO market’s sensitivity to global disruptions, with geopolitical issues, energy price volatility, and industrial accidents being major influencers. Continuous monitoring of global supply and demand dynamics is essential for procurement teams to manage pricing risks effectively.
This research methodology ensures that PriceWatch delivers the most accurate, timely, and actionable LAO pricing assessments, helping clients stay ahead of market trends and make well-informed business decisions.
Molecular Weight[g/mol]
CAS No
HS Code
Molecular Formula
Linear Alpha Olefins (LAO) are a group of high-purity, synthetic hydrocarbons used as key intermediates in the production of various industrial chemicals. With excellent chemical stability, LAOs are essential in manufacturing detergents, lubricants, plasticizers, and synthetic oils. They are also used in the production of polyethylene and other specialty polymers. Known for their versatility, LAOs offer exceptional performance in a range of applications, including coatings, adhesives, and surfactants. Their reliable properties make them a critical component in industries like automotive, packaging, and personal care.
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.
Property Table:
| Property | Typical Values | Units |
| Carbon Number(C14) | 98.92 | Wt% |
| Vinylidene | 4.85 | Wt% |
| cis- and trans- 2-Tetradecene | 0.2 | Wt% |
| Paraffin | 0.23 | Wt% |
| Density | 6.46 | lb/gal |
| Water | 30 | ppm |
| Appearance | Clear and Bright | |
| Property | Typical Values | Units |
| Carbon Number | ||
| <C14 | <2.5 | Wt% |
| C14 | 39-48 | |
| C16 | 29-35 | |
| C18 | 17-26 | |
| >C18 | <1.0 | |
| Specific Gravity | 0.78 | |
| Viscosity | 3.5 | mm^2/s |
| Appearance | Visual | |
Applications
Linear Alpha Olefins (LAOs) are highly versatile compounds with a wide range of applications across various industries. As key intermediates in the chemical industry, LAOs serve as essential building blocks in the production of detergents, surfactants, and lubricants. They are crucial in enhancing the performance of household and industrial cleaning products, contributing to better efficiency and stain removal. In the automotive sector, LAOs are used in the production of synthetic lubricants, fuel additives, and polymerization processes, which help improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. They are also integral to the manufacturing of lightweight composite materials, supporting the automotive industry’s sustainability goals. In addition, LAOs are utilized in the production of polyethylene, a critical material used in packaging and plastic products, further broadening their scope in industrial manufacturing. The agricultural sector also benefits from LAOs, where they are used as dispersing agents in pesticides and herbicides, improving the effectiveness of crop protection products. The polymer and plastic industries rely on LAOs as feedstocks in the creation of high-quality polymers used for a variety of applications, from consumer goods to industrial equipment. In the personal care and cosmetics industries, LAOs are incorporated into formulations for shampoos, lotions, and other beauty products, where they serve as emulsifiers and conditioning agents. With the growing demand for sustainable and eco-friendly solutions, LAOs are increasingly being explored in the development of biodegradable surfactants and other green alternatives, highlighting their growing importance in both industrial and consumer markets.
The pricing of Linear Alpha Olefins (LAO) is primarily influenced by the cost of raw materials such as ethylene, the key feedstock for LAO production. Fluctuations in crude oil prices also play a significant role, as they impact ethylene production costs. Other factors include global supply and demand dynamics, logistical costs, production capacity, and geopolitical events that may disrupt supply chains. Environmental regulations, such as stricter emissions standards and sustainability requirements, are also increasingly affecting LAO prices. Procurement teams should consider these factors to anticipate price changes and optimize purchasing strategies.
The price of Linear Alpha Olefins is closely tied to the availability and pricing of ethylene, which is typically derived from natural gas or crude oil. If there is a shortage of ethylene due to disruptions in oil production, refinery outages, or demand spikes in related industries, LAO prices are likely to rise. Conversely, a surplus of ethylene, driven by increased production or lower demand from other sectors, can result in reduced prices for LAOs. Procurement heads must monitor ethylene supply and demand trends closely to anticipate potential price fluctuations and adjust their sourcing strategies accordingly.
Linear Alpha Olefin prices can vary by region due to differences in feedstock availability, production capacities, and local demand. For example, regions with high production of ethylene, such as the Middle East and North America, may experience lower LAO prices due to more favourable production costs. In contrast, regions with limited ethylene production or high import costs, like parts of Europe, may see higher LAO prices. Procurement teams should take these regional price differences into account when developing sourcing strategies, including considering offshore sourcing, securing long-term contracts with regional suppliers, or optimizing logistics to reduce costs.
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