Lauryl Alcohol Ethoxylate (7-Mole) spot activity in India strengthened in March on tight domestic availability and pre-monsoon buying. Suppliers entered with thin inventories as detergents and personal-care formulators advanced procurement ahead of the April–June sales window, while EO flows to surfactant plants were reduced by a planned turnaround. Firmer palm-kernel-oil benchmarks and higher freight premiums lifted landed fatty-alcohol costs, reinforcing the bullish trajectory. Demand remained solid across detergents and personal-care chains, with manufacturers stocking for concentrated liquids and broader formulations in the pre-monsoon period; export outlets to neighboring countries remained modest. Ex-Mumbai LAE (7-Mole) and related grades posted a rally in March on the supply squeeze, while elevated feedstock and logistics costs weighed on margins. EO availability tightened mid-month, prompting producers to trim runs and operate with leaner inventories. Looking ahead, a modest cooling is expected after April: near-term prices may rise modestly in April, hold in May, then ease through summer, barring further supply disruptions or freight relief.
