Lauryl Alcohol Ethoxylate markets in India softened through January as sellers trimmed offers amid a post-year-end destocking cycle and coastal inventories. Early in January, buying eased after pipeline replenishment ahead of holidays, while vessel arrivals and upstream supplies kept raw-material availability ample. Late January, downstream formulators worked through stocks, creating a mildly bearish tone for spot activity and pressuring ex-Ahmedabad offers. Demand differed by end-use: home-care and blender segments softened, while institutional cleaning purchases from hospitality chains remained steadier, and agri-emulsifier distributors held minima. Ex-Ahmedabad, the 7-Mole grade declined around 3.3% month-on-month, while the 3-Mole ex-works showed a similar modest dip. Supply dynamics supported offers downshift, with softer landed costs for imported natural fatty alcohols and a steady ethylene oxide stream. Western India producers reported normal operating schedules and comfortable coast inventories, with vessel arrivals at major ports remaining steady. Outlook signals near-term consolidation within a narrow band, with a modest dip forecast for February and fluctuations through spring.
