- Global propylene glycol prices increased across Asia, Europe, and North America during Q1’26, led by China, Japan, and the USA. The rise was cost-driven, with all listed markets recording strong gains between January and March.
- Feedstock pressure came from higher crude-linked propylene and propylene oxide costs after the Iran war and Strait of Hormuz closure disrupted energy and petrochemical trade flows. Higher freight and insurance costs added to import replacement pressure.
- Downstream demand from unsaturated polyester resins, polyether polyols, coatings, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and antifreeze applications supported procurement. Buyers remained cautious, but supply-side cost pressure kept offers firm.
Asia
In Asia, propylene glycol prices increased sharply during Q1’26 as higher propylene oxide and crude-linked feedstock costs lifted production expenses. China prices rose from ~USD 856.26/MT in January to ~USD 1,106.89/MT in March, showing a ~29.27% increase. India prices moved from ~USD 964.94/MT to ~USD 1,161.89/MT, up ~20.41%. Japan also recorded a strong gain, rising from ~USD 898.44/MT to ~USD 1,142.89/MT, a ~27.21% increase. The Strait of Hormuz closure raised concerns over crude, LPG, and petrochemical cargo movement into Asia, supporting higher feedstock and freight costs. Demand from resins, polyether, coatings, and antifreeze applications helped sustain the upward movement.
Europe
In Europe, propylene glycol prices increased during Q1’26 due to higher energy, freight, and feedstock costs. Germany prices rose from ~USD 977.91/MT in January to ~USD 1,188.89/MT in March, recording a ~21.57% increase. The Iran war and Strait of Hormuz closure raised crude and petrochemical supply concerns, which pushed replacement costs higher. Demand from resins, coatings, and industrial formulations remained steady, allowing suppliers to pass on higher costs.
North America
In North America, propylene glycol prices also moved upward in Q1’26. USA prices increased from ~USD 941.65/MT in January to ~USD 1,193.89/MT in March, reflecting a ~26.79% rise. Feedstock pressure from propylene and propylene oxide supported the increase, while global freight and energy risk lifted replacement values. Demand from antifreeze, cosmetics, resins, and industrial applications remained firm.