Oil Prices Rise, Fueling Inflation Concerns
Crude oil prices are rising, adding pressure to domestic inflation. The volatility is expected to continue influencing commodity market trends.
Propanol Price Trend Analysis 2026: Latest News, Historical Prices, Market Insights, Price Drivers & Supply Demand Analysis
Written ByShriya Singh
Propanol Latest Development
Iran war drives crude oil prices higher
The conflict between the U.S., Israel and Iran has disrupted oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz, pushing up crude oil prices. Higher crude costs have lifted gasoline and diesel prices, contributing to broader inflation. Supply constraints are expected to keep prices elevated until mid‑2027.
Propanol Price Trend Q3 2026
| Product | Region | Incoterm Basis | Price | Last Updated Month |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Propanol | China | FOB | USD 1,068.99/MT | August 2026 |
| Propanol | India | CIF | USD 1,159.99/MT | August 2026 |
| Propanol | Germany | CIF | USD 1,182.99/MT | August 2026 |
| Propanol | Australia | CIF | USD 1,163.99/MT | August 2026 |
| Propanol | Brazil | CIF | USD 1,210.99/MT | August 2026 |
| Propanol | China | FOB | USD 1,105.78/MT | July 2026 |
| Propanol | India | CIF | USD 1,212.59/MT | July 2026 |
| Propanol | Germany | CIF | USD 1,239.41/MT | July 2026 |
| Propanol | Australia | CIF | USD 1,204.24/MT | July 2026 |
| Propanol | Brazil | CIF | USD 1,277.39/MT | July 2026 |
Stay updated with the latest Propanol prices, historical data, and tailored regional analysis
Propanol Price Trend H1 2026
- Propanol procurement costs followed a volatile-to-soft trajectory during H1 2026, with early feedstock tightness giving way to weaker propylene fundamentals.
- Upstream, China's expanding PDH capacity kept pressure on Asian propylene, although temporary plant outages and geopolitical disruptions caused periods of tighter availability.
- Downstream, coatings, inks, pharmaceutical and personal-care applications provided steady baseline demand but limited sustained price upside.
Asia
Asian propanol procurement reflected changing propylene fundamentals through H1. The year began with tighter propylene availability in China and Northeast Asia as several PDH and MTO units reduced output or underwent maintenance, while stronger pre-Lunar New Year demand provided additional support. Conditions subsequently became softer as China's large PDH base and expanding propylene capacity outweighed downstream demand growth. Pharmaceutical, coatings and printing-ink consumption continued to provide a baseline outlet for n-propanol, preventing a sharper deterioration in demand.
Europe
European propanol procurement remained relatively balanced but faced weak industrial demand and competitive imported supply. Propylene fundamentals were pressured by high availability and subdued derivative consumption, while European buyers remained cautious on inventory commitments. The region's coatings, printing inks, pharmaceutical and specialty-solvent sectors maintained regular consumption, but limited manufacturing momentum restricted stronger offtake. Europe's exposure to Asian imports also meant that softer Asian propylene economics could transmit downward pressure into regional procurement, although freight and local operating costs provided some protection against a sharper decline.
North America
North American n-propanol procurement was comparatively firmer than Asia during H1. Q1 conditions were broadly stable, supported by balanced domestic supply and steady pharmaceutical, coatings and printing-ink demand. In Q2, lower inventories and firm operating costs supported a modest increase in n-propanol pricing, while export enquiries added further support. Consequently, the region did not fully follow Asia's softer propylene-led trajectory, with domestic demand and supply conditions providing a firmer underlying market balance.
Analyst Insight
Propanol costs are expected to remain range-bound with regional divergence. Asian oversupply should limit sustained upside, while stable solvent demand and tighter North American balances could provide intermittent support.
Related Report
Need Latest Propanol Prices?
Get real-time price assessments, periodic trends, forecasts and price driver insights across key global markets.
Our Clients
Procurement Resource Database
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
Asian propanol markets during the fourth quarter displayed mixed movements largely influenced by upstream feedstock dynamics. In China, prices declined during the first half as weakening propylene cost support reduced production expenses, and downstream buying interest remained cautious. Key consuming sectors, including solvents, coatings, and chemical intermediates, operated under margin pressure with reduced procurement activity. Operating losses in derivative applications limited restocking, while expectations of additional supply weighed on sentiment. The pharmaceutical and personal care segments maintained conservative purchasing patterns. During the second half, prices recorded a slight recovery, though the rebound proved modest. By quarter-end, prices stabilized within a narrow range as supply-demand conditions balanced. Industrial solvent demand remained tepid, with end-users adopting wait-and-see approaches across automotive coatings, printing inks, and cleaning product formulations.
Europe
European propanol markets broadly resembled Asian trends during the fourth quarter. The period began with softer pricing reflecting limited downstream momentum from industrial solvents, pharmaceuticals, and personal care formulations. Demand from derivative sectors remained measured, with no strong cost push evident from propylene feedstock developments. Coatings and printing ink manufacturers maintained conservative procurement strategies, purchasing primarily for immediate needs. The pharmaceutical sector showed steady consumption, while cosmetics applications demonstrated seasonal moderation. During the latter portion, prices exhibited mild recovery before transitioning into stability. Overall volatility remained contained as the market moved from early weakness to equilibrium. Industrial cleaning formulations and specialty chemical applications maintained baseline demand without expansion.
North America
North American propanol markets followed a comparable trajectory during the fourth quarter. Initial softness stemmed from a balanced-to-ample supply and moderate demand from derivative applications. Propylene feedstock developments provided limited cost support. Key consuming sectors, including coatings, adhesives, and industrial solvents, demonstrated steady purchasing activity without aggressive inventory building. The pharmaceutical and agrochemical segments maintained regular procurement rhythms. Mid-quarter adjustments produced limited upward movement, though gains proved unsustained. By quarter-close, prices stabilized, aligning with global patterns of contained recovery. Printing inks and specialty solvent applications reflected moderate industrial activity without demand acceleration.
About Propanol
Propanol has the same strong musty smell as rubbing alcohol and is a clear, colourless liquid in appearance. 53–77°F flash point At 700 °F, it self-ignites. Vapors are less irritating to the eyes, nose, and throat than air and are heavier than it. Density of about 6.5 lb per gal. used to create antifreezes, rubbing alcohols, soaps, window cleaners, acetone, medicines, perfumes, lacquer formulations, dye solutions, cosmetics, skin and hair preparations, and other chemicals and goods.
Propanol Product Detail
HS Code
29051210
Chemical Formula
C3H8O
CAS Number
71-23-8
Molecular Weight
60.10 g/mol
Industrial Uses
Glass Industry, Production of solvents and alkenes, Flame scarfing, Metallurgical heating and hardening, Welding, Cutting
Synonyms
Propyl alcohol, Propan-1-ol, n-propanol
Supplier Database
Dow Chemical Company, BASF SE, Royal Dutch Shell Plc., Eastman Chemical Company, Mitsui Chemicals Inc.
Regional Coverage
Asia Pacific
China, India, Indonesia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Japan, Philippines, Vietnam, Iran, Thailand, South Korea, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, Nepal, Taiwan, Sri Lanka, UAE, Israel, Hongkong, Singapore, Oman, Kuwait, Qatar, Australia, and New Zealand
Europe
Germany, France, United Kingdom, Italy,Spain, Russia, Turkey, Netherlands, Poland, Sweden, Belgium, Austria, Ireland Switzerland, Norway, Denmark, Romania, Finland, Czech Republic, Portugal and Greece
North America
United States and Canada
Latin America
Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Columbia, Chile, Ecuador, and Peru
Africa
South Africa, Nigeria, Egypt, Algeria, Morocco
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.
Propanol Production Processes
- Production of Propanol from Catalytic Hydrogenation
This process involves first hydroformylating ethylene with hydrogen and carbon monoxide in the presence of a catalyst, such as rhodium complex, to produce propionaldehyde, which is then hydrogenated to yield propanol as the end product.
Frequently Asked Questions
The propanol outlook for 2026 is cautiously positive, with prices rising across key regions from May to June (approximately): Brazil +4.3%, Germany +3.4%, India +2.8%, Australia +2.4%, and China +1.1%. Rising propylene feedstock costs and recovering downstream demand from coatings, printing inks, industrial solvents, and pharmaceutical formulations should sustain momentum, though cautious restocking, margin pressure in derivatives, and potential new Asian capacity could moderate gains. The trajectory hinges on propylene costs, downstream offtake, and capacity additions, with moderate upward trends expected barring major supply disruptions.
Propanol prices are driven mainly by propylene feedstock costs, since propanol is produced via propylene hydration; softer propylene prices reduce production expenses and weigh on propanol pricing across Asia, Europe, and North America. Downstream demand from solvents, coatings, printing inks, adhesives, pharmaceuticals, and personal care sectors is measured, with derivative applications under margin pressure that limits restocking. Supply availability also matters: expectations of additional supply dampen sentiment in Asia, while tighter spot availability in China supports modest recoveries.
Propanol production is concentrated among a small group of major manufacturers, including Dow, BASF SE, Eastman Chemical Company, and Sasol. Key consuming and importing regions include China, India, Germany, Australia, and Brazil. This concentration among a small group of producers means supply security is closely tied to their operational performance, with limited alternative sourcing options if any face disruptions.
Propanol is produced via catalytic hydrogenation of ethylene. Ethylene, sourced from naphtha or natural gas, is first hydroformylated with carbon monoxide and hydrogen using a rhodium catalyst to form propionaldehyde, which is then hydrogenated to yield propanol. The finished product serves as a solvent and intermediate in pharmaceuticals, personal care products, paints, coatings, and industrial cleaning applications.
Pharmaceutical and personal care industries are the primary demand pillars for propanol, consuming it as a solvent and chemical intermediate in medicines, creams, lotions, perfumes, and soaps. Construction and automotive sectors drive additional volume through propanol's use in paints, coatings, printing inks, and lacquers. Industrial cleaning formulations round out demand. Together, these sectors create steady baseline consumption, though margin pressure in coatings and solvents can moderate procurement activity, keeping price movements contained across Asia, Europe, and North America.
Procurement Resource assesses propanol prices through a structured, data-driven methodology combining primary engagement with producers, suppliers and traders, secondary market data, continuous monitoring of feedstock and input costs, trade-flow and inventory tracking, and exchange or spot benchmarks. Each assessment is validated and translated into a transparent price outlook for the market. The detailed methodology is available on the Procurement Resource website.
Our Price Analysis Methodology
About the Author
Shriya Singh
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.
Schedule A Demo
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?
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
Why Procurement Database
Commodity Market Intelligence
Track prices, market movements, supply-demand dynamics, and industry developments across hundreds of commodities through a centralized intelligence platform built for informed procurement decisions.
Price Forecasts & Market Outlooks
Understand market fluctuations using analyst-backed forecasts, historical pricing patterns, and evolving industry trends to strengthen sourcing strategies and budget planning.
Cost & Procurement Optimization
Leverage cost models, pricing benchmarks, and procurement insights to evaluate purchasing opportunities, improve negotiations, and enhance operational efficiency.
Global & Regional Market Insights
Access region-specific price trends, trade activities, capacity changes, and supply chain developments influencing commodity markets worldwide.
1/4