Renewed fighting between US and Iran has slowed shipping through the Gulf of Hormuz, disrupting supply routes. Benchmark crude prices have climbed sharply from pre-conflict levels, reflecting heightened geopolitical risk. The upward price pressure is likely to continue while tensions persist.
Intensified US-Iran military actions disrupt oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, causing a sharp spike in crude oil prices. The price jump leads to severe depreciation of the Indian rupee, raising import costs and inflationary concerns.
| Product | Region | Incoterm Basis | Price | Last Updated Month |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ethylene Oxide | China | FOB | USD 1,020.49/MT | June 2026 |
| Ethylene Oxide | USA | CIF | USD 1,175.44/MT | June 2026 |
| Ethylene Oxide | Germany | CIF | USD 1,141.98/MT | June 2026 |
| Ethylene Oxide | India | CIF | USD 1,108.04/MT | June 2026 |
| Ethylene Oxide | Japan | CIF | USD 1,053.34/MT | June 2026 |
| Ethylene Oxide | China | FOB | USD 1,206.01/MT | May 2026 |
| Ethylene Oxide | USA | CIF | USD 1,325.20/MT | May 2026 |
| Ethylene Oxide | Germany | CIF | USD 1,299.46/MT | May 2026 |
| Ethylene Oxide | India | CIF | USD 1,273.35/MT | May 2026 |
| Ethylene Oxide | Japan | CIF | USD 1,243.76/MT | May 2026 |
Stay updated with the latest Ethylene Oxide prices, historical data, and tailored regional analysis
Asia
In Q2’26, ethylene Oxide prices in China declined to ~RMB 8.91/kg in April and ~RMB 8.16/kg in the next month, showing a ~8.5% decrease. The market weakened after early-quarter support from firm ethylene costs and cautious supply conditions faded. Improved production availability and lower spot purchasing from downstream buyers pressured prices. Demand from ethylene glycol, surfactants, ethanolamines and polyether polyols remained uneven, with weaker polyester, construction and polyurethane-related applications limiting consumption. Lower activity in furniture, automotive and construction-linked sectors reduced purchasing interest, keeping producers from maintaining higher offers.
Europe
Ethylene Oxide prices in Germany declined to ~EUR 1.22/kg in April and ~EUR 1.11/kg in the subsequent month. European markets faced pressure from weaker chemical demand and structural oversupply in ethylene-related markets. Higher energy costs continued to support production expenses but limited downstream demand restricted price recovery. EO derivatives used in detergents, personal care, coatings and industrial formulations provided stable demand, while construction-related and industrial applications remained weaker. Availability of imported olefins and derivatives also added pressure on regional pricing.
North America
Ethylene Oxide prices in the United States declined to ~USD 1,392.65/MT in April and ~USD 1,325.20/MT in May. The market benefited from integrated ethylene production and competitive feedstock availability, but oversupply and weaker margins limited producer pricing power. Demand from ethylene glycol, ethanolamines and surfactants provided support, while cautious inventory management among downstream users reduced spot activity. Slower industrial demand and excess ethylene availability prevented stronger price recovery despite the region’s cost advantage.
Analyst Insight
According to Procurement Resource, ethylene oxide prices are expected to remain influenced by ethylene market conditions, operating rates and derivative demand, with weak downstream growth limiting significant upward movement.
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Asia
In the Chinese market, ethylene oxide prices increased from ~5.67 RMB/kg (Spot FD) in January to ~7.30 RMB/kg in March, reflecting a ~30.22% rise. The increase was driven by higher crude oil and ethylene prices following disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, which impacted global energy flows and raised feedstock costs. Rising freight rates and logistical disruptions increased the cost of imported ethane, adding further pressure. Supply tightened due to plant maintenance, shutdowns, and reduced operating rates, while strong downstream demand from construction chemicals and battery solvents supported higher procurement. Panic buying further accelerated price increases, with suppliers limiting availability to sustain upward momentum.
Europe
In Q1’26, the ethylene oxide price curve was driven by higher prices for feedstock materials owing to geopolitical tension and disruption of logistics at the Strait of Hormuz in the European region. The price of crude oil rose, increasing production costs, while disruptions and uncertainty in the flow of goods due to tensions further strained supplies. Supply dependence on imports and high energy prices put pressure on manufacturers in favour of increasing the prices.
North America
In the North American markets, the ethylene oxide prices were driven higher amid increased costs for raw materials in response to disruptions in crude oil markets. Logistical pressures and other supply chain disruptions were coupled with shutdowns due to planned maintenance. Downstream demand held steady, which allowed manufacturers to keep pricing firm and consistent with their procurement activities.
Ethylene Oxide, an organic compound, is a cyclic ether and the simplest epoxide. It is a colourless gas with ether-like odour. It is a versatile compound that is used as an intermediate in the manufacture of other chemicals of industrial importance. One of the most important derivatives of this chemical is ethylene glycol, which is further utilised in the production of PET resin. A small but significant use of the chemical is as a sterilizing agent particularly in the healthcare industry.
C2H4O
Ethylene glycol, Glycol ethers, Ethanolamines, Ethoxylates, Acrylonitrile, Sterilizing and disinfecting agent, Fumigant, Antibiotics
Oxirane, 1,2-Epoxyethane, Epoxyethane, Oxacyclopropane, Dimethylene oxide, Epoxide, EO or EtO
Shell Chemical Company (Royal Dutch Shell Plc), LyondellBasell Industries NV, BASF SE, Linde AG
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.
In this process, ethylene is utilised as a starting material. It undergoes the oxidation process in the presence of silver catalyst to finally produce Ethylene Oxide.
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This report shows the cost structure of ethylene glycol production from the hydrolysis of ethylene oxide.
In this process, ethylene oxide is treated with aqueous ammonia to obtain 2-aminoethanol, with diethanolamine and triethanolamine as by-products.
Ethyl Acrylate Manufacturing Plant 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.
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