News and Articles

• Methanol prices rose in Week 24 as geopolitical tensions disrupted Middle East shipment flows.
• Reduced cargo movement from key Middle Eastern ports limited import availability and pushed prices upward.
• Lower operating rates in key supply regions kept supply tight and supported higher prices.
• Higher coal prices increased production costs and added upward pressure to methanol values.
• Prices fell in Week 25 as easing tensions improved expectations for Middle East imports.
• Lower downstream operating rates, overseas plant restarts and weaker energy prices pushed methanol prices down.

Methanol prices increased during the 24th week of 2026 as geopolitical tensions raised concern over shipment disruptions from the Middle East. Reduced cargo flows from key regional ports limited expected import availability and created a tighter supply outlook in import-dependent markets. Buyers expecting regular replenishment faced delays, which pushed prices higher.

Supply pressure was also supported by continued production constraints in key supply regions. Lower operating rates at overseas plants limited the volume available for export, slowing the pace of supply replenishment. Logistical bottlenecks also restricted movement through some trade routes and terminals. Higher coal prices added cost pressure for coal-based methanol producers, supporting firmer offers during the week.

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Methanol prices moved downward in Week 25 as supply expectations improved. Easing geopolitical tensions raised expectations that key shipping routes would reopen and that delayed cargoes from the Middle East would return to normal movement. The possibility of higher incoming supply reduced procurement urgency and weakened spot prices.

Demand conditions also added pressure. Downstream operating rates fell during the seasonal demand slowdown, lowering methanol consumption across derivative markets. Overseas production restarts improved global supply availability, while declining crude oil and energy prices reduced cost support. With supply expectations improving and demand weakening, methanol prices declined during Week 25.