US PAO Prices Jump 12.3% in Early June, Reversing Late-May Weakness

Prices for polyalphaolefin (PAO) in the USA moved sharply higher in early June after a generally muted May, reversing several weeks of range-bound trade. Early May trading showed steady sentiment with limited spot activity, while late-May saw softening that left buyers cautious. That backdrop set the stage for a sudden spike at the start of June that has forced market participants to reassess short-term procurement plans. Overall PAO market dynamics reflect a mix of steady operating rates, quiet spot markets through most of May and a punctuated re-rating in early June that could prompt renewed dialogue between suppliers and industrial end-users.

The May monthly series referenced here is for PAO *cSt FOB Oklahoma, which stood at $*,***.**/MT in May ****, up from, $*,***.**/MT the prior observation, illustrating a modest month-on-month increase for the PAO *cSt grade. Meanwhile, PAO *cSt weekly spot series tracked separately...