The IEA sharply lowered its 2026 global oil demand outlook, citing the escalating Mideast conflict and elevated energy prices. The agency now projects a significantly steeper year-on-year decline in consumption than previously forecast, warning that market tightening and demand destruction are accelerating.
Trinseo has restarted the sale of its 50% stake in the Americas Styrenics joint venture with Chevron Phillips Chemical, which produces styrene and polystyrene, following Trinseo's bankruptcy declaration earlier this year. The ownership uncertainty at one of the key styrene and polystyrene production platforms introduces supply risk for those commodity chemicals, likely supporting firmer pricing as market participants assess potential output disruptions.
| Product | Region | Incoterm Basis | Price | Last Updated Month |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Benzene | China | FOB | USD 1,151.67/MT | August 2026 |
| Benzene | USA | CIF | USD 1,308.00/MT | August 2026 |
| Benzene | Germany | CIF | USD 1,266.00/MT | August 2026 |
| Benzene | India | CIF | USD 1,243.00/MT | August 2026 |
| Benzene | Japan | CIF | USD 1,186.00/MT | August 2026 |
| Benzene | China | FOB | USD 1,122.63/MT | July 2026 |
| Benzene | USA | CIF | USD 1,310.00/MT | July 2026 |
| Benzene | Germany | CIF | USD 1,257.00/MT | July 2026 |
| Benzene | India | CIF | USD 1,230.00/MT | July 2026 |
| Benzene | Japan | CIF | USD 1,156.00/MT | July 2026 |
Stay updated with the latest Benzene prices, historical data, and tailored regional analysis
Asia
In China, the average price of Benzene increased from ~USD 1,122.63/MT (FOB) in July to ~USD 1,151.67/MT in August, a rise of ~2.6%. India recorded a gain of about 1.1%, from ~USD 1,230.00/MT (CIF) to ~USD 1,243.00/MT. Asian benzene rebounded sharply in July from its low point of the year, as US strikes on Iran and attacks on shipping raised crude costs. Chinese supply tightened significantly, with production losses estimated at 431,000 tonnes in July, while maintenance in Japan and Southeast Asia further cut aromatics output. However, styrene plants ran at reduced rates due to weak margins, which limited gains. By late August, Chinese plants restarted and import supply improved, softening offers into China.
Europe
In Germany, benzene averaged approximately USD 1,257.00/MT (CIF) in July and edged up to about USD 1,266.00/MT in August, a gain of ~0.7%. The August contract rose on tighter supply and higher crude costs. As availability improved, the September contract was set at a substantial discount, and styrene prices fell alongside benzene.
North America
In the USA, average benzene import prices were broadly unchanged, moving from nearly USD 1,310.00/MT (CIF) in July to roughly USD 1,308.00/MT in August. The domestic market was the strongest globally, as summer gasoline blending pulled aromatics out of the chemical chain and the August contract rose sharply. However, imports fell 73% year to date due to tariffs and scarce vessels, so import values did not track domestic gains. High US prices also made styrene exports uncompetitive.
Analyst Insight
According to Procurement Resource, benzene may drift lower as Chinese capacity returns and European supply improves, though elevated crude costs and steady gasoline demand should cushion any decline.
Related Report
Need Latest Benzene Prices?
Get real-time price assessments, periodic trends, forecasts and price driver insights across key global markets.
Our Clients
Turn price intelligence into action with the Procurement Resource Database. Log in or subscribe to unlock live price trends, historical charts, supplier databases, cost curves, and analyst-backed insights across chemicals, agriculture, energy, packaging, and more. Use these tools to benchmark your contracts, plan budgets with confidence, and stay ahead of market moves on every product you buy.
0
+Products
0
+Regions
0
+Subscriptions
Asia
In China, Benzene prices declined from ~USD 1,238/MT in April to ~USD 1,084/MT in June, showing a ~12% decrease. India recorded a decline from ~USD 1,288/MT in April to ~USD 1,172/MT in June, a ~9% decrease. Asian markets initially faced supply-security concerns as geopolitical disruptions tightened feedstock availability and increased procurement uncertainty. South Korea introduced emergency controls on benzene and other petrochemical feedstocks, restricting companies from holding inventories more than 80% above corresponding previous-year levels. The market subsequently weakened as geopolitical tensions eased, Strait of Hormuz flows reopened, and crude and naphtha costs declined. High downstream inventories and cautious replenishment further reduced buying pressure. In China, weaker domestic consumption and improving availability contributed to the June correction, while Indian demand remained exposed to softer regional petrochemical operating conditions.
Europe
In Germany, Benzene prices averaged ~USD 1,364/MT in April before declining ~12% to ~USD 1,205/MT in June. European availability remained tight during the earlier part of Q2’26 as energy and feedstock disruptions increased replacement costs and encouraged cross-regional trade. At least 14,500 tonnes of benzene was shipped from Antwerp to the US on April 30, while another 18,000-tonne parcel was reportedly arranged from Rotterdam for late May/early June. These flows highlighted strong cross-regional supply movement and efforts to rebalance availability. As energy-market pressures eased, improved supply and weaker downstream buying shifted the market toward correction.
North America
In the USA, Benzene prices declined from ~USD 1,325/MT in April to ~USD 1,239/MT in June, a ~7% decrease. The market experienced upstream supply and energy disruptions but benefited from comparatively better domestic crude availability. Strategic Petroleum Reserve releases and Venezuelan imports helped buffer US crude supply, limiting some feedstock pressure relative to Europe and Asia. Transatlantic inflows also supported regional availability, while cautious petrochemical procurement limited demand-side support. The combination of improved supply conditions and weaker downstream buying contributed to the Q2 correction.
Analyst Insight
According to Procurement Resource, benzene markets are likely to remain sensitive to crude and naphtha availability, geopolitical developments, inventory levels, and downstream petrochemical demand.
In appearance, Benzene is a clear, colourless, highly flammable and volatile, liquid aromatic hydrocarbon with a gasoline-like odour Benzene is found in crude oils and as a by-product of oil-refining methods. In industries, benzene is utilised as a solvent, as a chemical intermediate, and is used in the synthesis of numerous chemicals.
C6H6
Plastics, Resins, Synthetic fibres, Rubber lubricants, Dyes, Detergents, Drugs and pesticides
71-43-2, Benzol, Cyclohexatriene, Benzole
Shell Chemicals, Reliance Industries Limited, Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LLC (Chevron Phillips Chemical), China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation (Sinopec Corp.), SynQuest Laboratories (Central Glass Co., LTD.)
CurrencyUS$ (Data can also be provided in local currency)
Supplier Database AvailabilityYes
Customization ScopeThe report can be customized as per the requirements of the customer
Post-Sale Analyst Support360-degree analyst support after report delivery
Note: Our supplier search experts can assist your procurement teams in compiling and validating a list of suppliers indicating they have products, services, and capabilities that meet your company's needs.
While producing Benzene using the reformation process, hydrocarbons are boiled with hydrogen gas at very high temperature (somewhere between 60 to 200-degree celsius), which forms hydrocarbon rings and aromatic compounds. The reaction takes place in the presence of a catalyst. These aromatic products are then separated by extraction with the help of solvents, thus, obtaining the desired products.
Our Price Analysis Methodology
Business Insights Analyst
Helping procurement and sourcing teams navigate complex markets through data-driven research, category intelligence, and actionable insights - with a focus on identifying market trends, analyzing supply-side developments, and delivering clear intelligence that supports informed business decisions.
Experience how Procurement Resource transforms raw material price data into clear, decision ready intelligence. Optimise your performance with reliable, expert market data and analysis. Schedule your demo today to experience a live walk-through where our experts will showcase interactive price charts, forecasted prices, and insights driving the prices for your key commodities, tailored to your workflows. Contact us now!
Our Team will be happy to assist you
We are just a text away
Still Need Help?
This report provides an extensive cost evaluation of Phenol production via the oxidation of Benzene.
This report provides an exhaustive economics of Benzene production from toluene hydrodealkylation.
This report provides an exhaustive economics of Benzene production by catalytic reforming.
Benzene Hexachloride (BHC) Manufacturing Plant Project Report thoroughly focuses on every detail that encompasses the cost of manufacturing. Our extensive cost model meticulously covers breaking down expenses around raw materials, labour, technology, and manufacturing expenses. This enables precise cost structure optimization and helps in identifying effective strategies to reduce the overall cash cost of manufacturing.
Unlock full access to Procurement Resource's price databases, interactive charts, and short-term forecasts for thousands of commodities. Elevate your sourcing decisions by comparing prices across regions, downloading historical data, and layering in analyst-backed insights, all with our flexible plans that scale as your portfolio grows.
Still have any Questions
Contact Us
Price Trend Dashboard - What's Included
Price trends across a diverse portfolio of categories and products, spanning board to niche chemicals
Coverage extendable to grade-specific chemicals based on procurement requirements
Regular price tracking supported by robust historical datasets
News, policy updates, and key market drivers impacting price movements
Short-term and long-term price outlooks and forecasts
Supply–demand dynamics and capacity-driven market analysis
Track prices, market movements, supply-demand dynamics, and industry developments across hundreds of commodities through a centralized intelligence platform built for informed procurement decisions.
Understand market fluctuations using analyst-backed forecasts, historical pricing patterns, and evolving industry trends to strengthen sourcing strategies and budget planning.
Leverage cost models, pricing benchmarks, and procurement insights to evaluate purchasing opportunities, improve negotiations, and enhance operational efficiency.
Access region-specific price trends, trade activities, capacity changes, and supply chain developments influencing commodity markets worldwide.
