Propylene Glycol Price Trend Analysis 2026: Market Insights, Historical Prices, Price Drivers, Latest News & Supply Demand Analysis

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Written ByPragati Agarwal

Procurement Resource Database

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  • 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.

About Propylene Glycol

Propylene glycol is a colorless, odorless, and slightly sweet-tasting organic compound with the chemical formula C3H8O2. It is a type of alcohol and belongs to the class of diols. Propylene glycol is widely used in various industries due to its unique properties. It is a hygroscopic liquid, meaning it absorbs water from the air. This property makes it valuable as a humectant in products like cosmetics, food, and pharmaceuticals, helping to retain moisture and prevent drying.

Additionally, it has low toxicity and is considered safe for human consumption, leading to its usage as a food additive and in medicinal preparations. Propylene glycol also functions as a solvent in numerous applications, making it a versatile and widely employed chemical compound.

Propylene Glycol Product Detail

HS Code
29053200
Chemical Formula

C3H8O2

CAS Number
57-55-6
Molecular Weight
76.09 g/mol
Industrial Uses

Cosmetics and personal care items, Antifreeze and deicing fluid, Industrial coolant, Food additive and solvent, Chemical processing 

Supplier Database

Lyondell Basell Industries Holdings B.V., INEOS, BASF SE, Repsol, Dow

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.

Propylene Glycol Production Processes

This process involves reacting hydrogen peroxide and propylene monomer to produce propylene oxide. Additionally, propylene glycol is created by hydrating the acquired product, propylene oxide.

In this process, propylene oxide is directly hydrolyzed with water to produce propylene glycol.

In this procedure, hypochlorous acid and propylene monomer react to form propylene chlorohydrin. Additionally, sodium hydroxide reacts with propylene chlorohydrin to produce propylene glycol.

Our Price Analysis Methodology

About the Author

Pragati Agarwal profile photo

Pragati Agarwal

Senior Business Insights Analyst

Delivering price trend analysis and procurement market insights at Procurement Resource, with expertise in identifying commodity patterns, supporting purchasing strategies, and improving cost efficiency through actionable market intelligence.

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