China’s n-propanol market witnessed an exceptional spike during the week of 13 March 2026, with spot prices surging by about 60.6%. The jump followed a previously flat mid February market that had stabilized after a firm January, as downstream coatings, pharmaceutical, and chemical demand softened and inventories stayed comfortable. In early March, rapidly escalating Middle East tensions disrupted crude and naphtha flows via the Strait of Hormuz, driving a steep rise in feedstock and freight costs and tightening domestic propylene and oxo alcohol supply. Against this backdrop, Chinese producers lifted offers sharply, while coatings and specialty chemical buyers rushed to restock ahead of the spring construction season, amplifying the short-term surge in n-propanol prices.
