For the Quarter Ending June 2026
Linear Alkyl Benzene (LAB) Prices in North America
- In USA, the Linear Alkyl Benzene Price Index rose by 30.14% quarter-over-quarter, driven by export demand.
- The average Linear Alkyl Benzene price for the quarter was approximately USD 2766.33/MT, in Louisiana.
- Linear Alkyl Benzene Spot Price strengthened amid constrained exports and steady Gulf Coast operating rates.
- Linear Alkyl Benzene Price Forecast points to near-term firmness as export pull outpaces domestic supply.
- Linear Alkyl Benzene Production Cost Trend increased as benzene and paraffinic feedstock inflation squeezed margins.
- Linear Alkyl Benzene Demand Outlook remains strong from detergent and surfactant sectors, supporting tight inventories.
- Linear Alkyl Benzene Price Index showed volatility as surges reflected export competition and logistics costs.
- Inventories stayed lean on Gulf docks, enabling prioritisation of higher-margin export liftings over spot discounts.
Why did the price of Linear Alkyl Benzene change in June 2026 in North America?
- Export demand from Latin America and constrained global supply tightened Louisiana availability, pushing offers higher.
- Benzene feedstock cost increases and elevated shipping insurance premiums raised production costs and FOB offers.
- Producers ran near capacity, inventories tight, and downstream buyers adopted just-in-time procurement, limiting price erosion.
Mexico
- In Mexico, the Linear Alkyl Benzene Price Index rose by 30.83% quarter-over-quarter, from US cost inflation.
- Linear Alkyl Benzene Spot Price strength reflected tighter imports and higher freight and insurance premiums globally.
Linear Alkyl Benzene (LAB) Prices in APAC
- In South Korea, the Linear Alkyl Benzene Price Index rose by 42.86% quarter-over-quarter, export tightening.
- The average Linear Alkyl Benzene price for the quarter was approximately USD 2130/MT, supported broadly.
- Linear Alkyl Benzene Spot Price tightened as limited prompt cargoes and export enquiries reduced availability.
- Linear Alkyl Benzene Price Forecast signals near-term volatility driven by geopolitical premiums and distribution costs.
- Linear Alkyl Benzene Production Cost Trend rose as benzene and paraffin replacement premiums widened further.
- Linear Alkyl Benzene Demand Outlook remains firm as detergent exporters restock ahead of seasonal promotions.
- Linear Alkyl Benzene Price Index persisted despite benzene softness, tight inventories sustaining regional export premiums.
- Rising freight and war-risk insurance increased distribution costs, narrowing arbitrage and sustaining FOB Busan offers.
Why did the price of Linear Alkyl Benzene change in June 2026 in APAC?
- Export demand from Southeast Asia and India drew Busan parcels, tightening availability and raising offers.
- Reduced benzene values eased cost pressure, yet replacement premiums and insurance surcharges maintained elevated breakevens.
- Stable Onsan output preserved supply, but lean inventories and higher freight sustained upward price momentum.
China
- In China, the Linear Alkyl Benzene Price Index rose by 48.55% quarter-over-quarter, driven by exports.
- Export tightness lifted Linear Alkyl Benzene Spot Price as sellers prioritized term over cargoes.
India
- In India, the Linear Alkyl Benzene Price Index rose by 37.61% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting firmer export interest.
- Linear Alkyl Benzene Spot Price stayed steady as imports and plant runs limited spot escalation.
Linear Alkyl Benzene (LAB) Prices in Europe
- In Spain, the Linear Alkyl Benzene Price Index rose 42.68% quarter-over-quarter, driven by severe supply tightness.
- The average Linear Alkyl Benzene price for the quarter was approximately USD 2384.67/MT, reported FOB.
- Tight export allocations and Sasol outages pushed the Linear Alkyl Benzene Spot Price higher regionally.
- Elevated benzene and paraffin values underpin the Linear Alkyl Benzene Production Cost Trend, squeezing margins.
- Strong export inquiries from France, Italy, North Africa supported the Linear Alkyl Benzene Demand Outlook.
- Inventory drawdowns at Algeciras and constrained loadings lifted the Linear Alkyl Benzene Price Index regionally.
- Freight disruptions and war-risk premiums raised logistics costs, informing the Linear Alkyl Benzene Price Forecast.
- Cepsa's debottlenecked Detal unit ran above 95 percent, supporting exports while tightening spot parcel availability.
Why did the price of Linear Alkyl Benzene change in June 2026 in Europe?
- Severe European supply squeeze from Sasol force majeure concentrated demand onto Spain's export platform rapidly.
- Rising benzene and paraffin feedstock costs in June raised variable costs and prompted FOB offers.
- Logistics constraints and war-risk insurance premiums lengthened voyages, elevating delivered costs and tightening availability promptly.
Germany
- In Germany, the Linear Alkyl Benzene Price Index rose by 46.84% quarter-over-quarter, driven by supply disruptions.
- Linear Alkyl Benzene Spot Price surged on acute tightness as regional inventories remained below buffer levels.
UK (United Kingdom)
- In UK, the Linear Alkyl Benzene Price Index rose by 47.57% quarter-over-quarter, driven by supply shortages.
- Linear Alkyl Benzene Spot Price jumped as import allocations tightened and freight insurance costs rose.
Linear Alkyl Benzene (LAB) Prices in MEA
- In Saudi-Arabia, the Linear Alkyl Benzene Price Index rose by 124.03% quarter-over-quarter, driven by disruptions.
- The average Linear Alkyl Benzene price for the quarter was approximately USD 3262.67/MT FOB Jeddah
- Linear Alkyl Benzene Spot Price reflected export scarcity and war-risk premiums on Red-Sea Jeddah loadings.
- Linear Alkyl Benzene Price Forecast anticipates short-term volatility driven by logistics rerouting and insurance-cost inflation.
- Linear Alkyl Benzene Production Cost Trend rose as benzene feedstock-prices surged, tightening conversion margins industry-wide.
- Linear Alkyl Benzene Demand Outlook stayed firm as detergent buyers front-loaded purchases despite elevated spot-prices.
- Linear Alkyl Benzene Price Index peaked on tight exports, limited vessel availability prioritized long-haul allocations.
- Producers maintained high run-rates, keeping physical availability steady while spot-premiums pressured contract negotiations and allocations.
Why did the price of Linear Alkyl Benzene change in June 2026 in MEA?
- Severe Strait-of-Hormuz disruptions rerouted exports via Red Sea, constraining vessel availability and export volumes globally.
- Elevated benzene feedstock costs and war-risk insurance increased production cash-costs, sustaining strong seller pricing discipline.
- Buyers front-loaded demand for security, while traders hoarded available cargoes, tightening prompt supply and offers.
Qatar
- In Qatar, the Linear Alkyl Benzene Price Index rose by 123.56% quarter-over-quarter, driven by conflict-related export disruptions.
- Linear Alkyl Benzene Spot Price surged on constrained Gulf exports, reflecting physical cargo scarcity and war-risk premiums
For the Quarter Ending March 2026
Linear Alkyl Benzene Prices in North America
- In USA, the Linear Alkyl Benzene Price Index rose by 3.44% quarter-over-quarter, driven by benzene.
- The average Linear Alkyl Benzene price for the quarter was approximately USD 2125.67/MT reported level.
- Linear Alkyl Benzene Spot Price firmed in mid-March as export arbitrage tightened available Gulf allocations.
- Linear Alkyl Benzene Price Forecast indicates consolidation after March gains, with feedstock costs limiting upside.
- Linear Alkyl Benzene Production Cost Trend rose due to benzene and kerosene inflation, constraining margins.
- Linear Alkyl Benzene Demand Outlook is supportive as spring cleaning and export restocking sustain buying.
- Linear Alkyl Benzene Price Index increased amid geopolitical uncertainty, prompting cautious buying and tighter allocations.
- Terminal inventories remained adequate, but export backlogs and insurance surcharges elevated transaction costs, tightening netbacks.
Why did the price of Linear Alkyl Benzene change in March 2026 in North America?
- Export demand surge tightened Gulf allocations as buyers redirected purchases amid Middle East disruptions.
- Benzene and kerosene cost inflation raised production expenses, prompting producers to increase FOB offers.
- Severe winter port and landside logistics delays constrained flows, intensifying tightness despite balanced inventories.
Linear Alkyl Benzene Prices in APAC
- In South Korea, the Linear Alkyl Benzene Price Index fell by 0.2453% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting supply-demand balance.
- The average Linear Alkyl Benzene price for the quarter was approximately USD 1491.00/MT, as reported.
- Linear Alkyl Benzene Spot Price volatility increased amid rapid feedstock cost moves and constrained regional export allocations.
- Linear Alkyl Benzene Price Forecast indicates short-term consolidation as buyers digest rapid March restocking and elevated costs.
- Linear Alkyl Benzene Production Cost Trend showed upward pressure from benzene and n-paraffin inflation recently.
- Linear Alkyl Benzene Demand Outlook remains positive from cosmetics and detergent sectors despite cautious buyers.
- Linear Alkyl Benzene Price Index gains were driven by tight export allocation and elevated vessel delays.
- Domestic producers maintained normal operating rates while holding margins, limiting immediate cost pass-through despite rising feedstock prices.
Why did the price of Linear Alkyl Benzene change in March 2026 in APAC?
- Surging benzene and n-paraffin costs from Hormuz crisis raised production expenses, prompting export allocation tightening.
- Regional restocking demand from India and Southeast Asia tightened Busan export cargoes, sustaining elevated FOB offers.
- Port congestion, insurance surcharges, and Korean won depreciation pressured logistics and margin recovery, supporting higher domestic quotes.
Linear Alkyl Benzene Prices in Europe
- In Spain, the Linear Alkyl Benzene Price Index rose by 6.50% quarter-over-quarter, on feedstock inflation.
- The average Linear Alkyl Benzene price for the quarter was approximately USD 1671.33/MT, reflecting balance.
- Linear Alkyl Benzene Spot Price surged March as Middle-Eastern imports halted, tightening export allocations.
- Linear Alkyl Benzene Production Cost Trend rose with benzene and paraffin inflation across European refineries.
- Linear Alkyl Benzene Demand Outlook constructive for spring, supported by detergent restocking and Mediterranean orders.
- Linear Alkyl Benzene Price Forecast indicates near-term volatility with upside risk from geopolitical supply disruptions.
- Q1 inventory eased pressure, but Linear Alkyl Benzene Price Index sharply jumped on export tightening.
- CEPSA Detal operated full capacity, supporting Spanish export availability despite elevated freight and insurance costs.
Why did the price of Linear Alkyl Benzene change in March 2026 in Europe?
- Middle-Eastern supply cessation reduced imports, shifting sourcing to Spanish FOB and tightening global allocations.
- Rising benzene and paraffin costs increased expenses, prompting producers to lift FOB offers protecting margins.
- Demand from West Africa and Latin America plus port congestion tightened allocations, elevating short-term prices.
Linear Alkyl Benzene Prices in MEA
- In Saudi Arabia, the Linear Alkyl Benzene Price Index rose by 5.45% quarter-over-quarter, driven by exports.
- The average Linear Alkyl Benzene price for the quarter was approximately USD 1456.33/MT, on FOB Jeddah.
- Linear Alkyl Benzene Spot Price strengthened in March amid shipping constraints, amplifying seller bargaining power.
- Linear Alkyl Benzene Price Forecast stayed elevated for Q2 as feedstock pass-through and logistics premia persisted.
- Linear Alkyl Benzene Production Cost Trend turned upward as benzene and refined product prices surged during March tensions.
- Linear Alkyl Benzene Demand Outlook remains steady regionally, with routine detergent volumes and seasonal restocking expected.
- Linear Alkyl Benzene Price Index surged as Red Sea export constraints reduced available Jeddah tonnage and increased war-risk premiums.
- Producers maintained steady run-rates, protecting netbacks while comfortable port inventories limited immediate supply-chain disruptions into April.
Why did the price of Linear Alkyl Benzene change in March 2026 in MEA?
- Escalating regional conflict raised benzene and refined product prices, directly increasing production costs for LAB producers.
- Closure risks and Red Sea disruptions constrained export capacity, forcing cargo reroutes and elevating freight and insurance premia.
- Buyer caution and limited spot liquidity produced a pricing standoff, with sellers firming offers amid thin transaction volumes.
For the Quarter Ending December 2025
North America
- In the USA, the Linear Alkyl Benzene (LAB) Price Index rose by 2.61% quarter-over-quarter, supporting balance.
- The average Linear Alkyl Benzene price for the quarter was approximately USD 2055.00/MT per contract.
- Linear Alkyl Benzene Spot Price remained range-bound, while the Price Index showed sideways market equilibrium.
- Linear Alkyl Benzene Production Cost Trend eased as Gulf Coast benzene softened, reducing upstream pressure.
- Linear Alkyl Benzene Demand Outlook remains cautious, with muted export inquiries limiting international near-term upside.
- Linear Alkyl Benzene Price Forecast indicates volatility as holiday buying offsets logistical constraints and inventories.
- The Price Index showed a slight upward bias from export liftings to Mexico despite ample inventories.
- Major Gulf Coast plants ran mid-nineties percent utilization, supporting stable flows and preventing supply tightening.
Why did the price of Linear Alkyl Benzene change in December 2025 in North America?
- Easing benzene feedstock prices reduced production costs, anchoring LAB values and preventing upward pressure in December.
- Balanced domestic demand and normal plant operations kept inventories near average, limiting immediate price movements.
- Routine port activity and absence of weather outages minimized logistics disruption, sustaining a steady supply into Gulf export channels.
APAC
- In South Korea, the Linear Alkyl Benzene Price Index rose by 1.0137% quarter-over-quarter, from restocking.
- The average Linear Alkyl Benzene price for the quarter was approximately USD 1494.67/MT, assessed industry-wide.
- Linear Alkyl Benzene Spot Price remained range-bound amid healthy domestic output and muted export enquiries.
- Linear Alkyl Benzene Price Forecast indicates modest softness from year-end destocking and competitive Middle-East cargoes.
- Linear Alkyl Benzene Production Cost Trend eased with softer n-paraffin and kerosene spreads, reducing costs.
- Linear Alkyl Benzene Demand Outlook tempered by subdued detergent call-offs and logistical holidays, offsetting restocking.
- Linear Alkyl Benzene Price Index reflected oversupply as Middle-East offers and local runs pressured FOB.
- Inventories remained comfortable while planned maintenance in nearby regions could tighten offers, influencing export interest.
Why did the price of Linear Alkyl Benzene change in December 2025 in APAC?
- Ample domestic production and operating rates created surplus availability, prompting distributors to offer year-end discounts.
- Softer n-paraffin and kerosene spreads reduced production costs, while competitive Middle-East cargoes pressured domestic pricing.
- Cautious buyer behaviour amid holiday logistics and advance restocking uncertainties suppressed spot enquiry depth further.
Europe
- In Spain, the Linear Alkyl Benzene Price Index rose by 5.7% quarter-over-quarter, driven by detergent demand.
- The average Linear Alkyl Benzene price for the quarter was approximately USD 1569.33/MT, assessed market-wide.
- Inventory builds pressured the Linear Alkyl Benzene Spot Price, keeping Price Index subdued despite orders.
- Steady feedstock availability restrained Linear Alkyl Benzene Production Cost Trend, preserving margins while limiting upside.
- Linear Alkyl Benzene Price Forecast indicates sideways trading, reflecting balanced supply and cautious buyer behavior.
- Domestic Demand Outlook shows detergent and personal-care sustaining offtake, while export demand remained subdued partly.
- High plant rates and logistics sustained supply, tempering volatility in Linear Alkyl Benzene Price Index.
- Export flows provided modest relief, but hand-to-mouth purchasing kept Linear Alkyl Benzene Spot Price range-bound.
Why did the price of Linear Alkyl Benzene change in December 2025 in Europe?
- Sustained plant output and rising inventories increased availability, exerting downward pressure on spot prices.
- Stable benzene and paraffin feedstock costs limited cost-push inflation, keeping producers’ marginal costs unchanged.
- Export buyers’ cautious purchasing and holiday slowdowns reduced external demand, moderating upward momentum for prices.
MEA
- In Saudi Arabia, the Linear Alkyl Benzene Price Index rose by 0.75% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting freight risk.
- The average Linear Alkyl Benzene price for the quarter was approximately USD 1381.00/MT on FOB terms.
- Linear Alkyl Benzene Spot Price remained range-bound as balanced supply and stable benzene feedstock contained volatility.
- Linear Alkyl Benzene Price Forecast suggests limited upside absent sustained export restocking or significant logistics disruptions.
- Linear Alkyl Benzene Production Cost Trend eased with kerosene and benzene stabilising, marginally supporting producer margins.
- Linear Alkyl Benzene Demand Outlook steady domestically; export enquiries mixed across India, Egypt, and the Turkey regionally.
- The Linear Alkyl Benzene Price Index exhibited narrow ranges as high run-rates constrained abrupt price movements.
- Linear Alkyl Benzene inventories expanded month-end, pressuring sellers despite intermittent Asian restocking support for FOB cargoes.
Why did the price of Linear Alkyl Benzene change in December 2025 in MEA?
- Balanced domestic supply and steady benzene costs kept production stable, removing upward pressure on December prices.
- Export demand weakened amid currency headwinds in Egypt and Turkey, reducing buying and limiting FOB enquiries.
- Logistics remained smooth with minimal demurrage; occasional freight-route insurance spikes briefly tightened availability and raised offers.
For the Quarter Ending September 2025
North America
- In the United States, the LAB Price Index rose by 5.26% quarter-over-quarter, in Q3 2025, reflecting resilient demand.
- The average LAB price for the quarter was approximately USD 2002.67/MT, reflecting a stabilized cost environment overall.
- LAB Spot Price momentum in North America remained balanced amid steady detergent demand, supportive feedstock availability, and minimal disruptions.
- LAB Price Forecast in North America suggested limited upside without raw-material shocks amid hurricane-season risk and inventories.
- LAB Production Cost Trend remained stable as benzene and energy costs cooled, supporting margins in the quarter.
- LAB Demand Outlook remained solid in household care and cleaning applications, with steady export interest and balanced restocking.
- LAB Price Index readings indicate a cautious yet firm trajectory through Q3, reflecting stable downstream demand and supply safeguards.
- LAB Spot Price volatility remained minimal despite seasonal activity and tariff considerations in North America, reinforcing price stability.
Why did the price of LAB change in September 2025 in North America?
- Supply constraints eased by stable Gulf Coast production, supporting price resilience and limited downside pressure.
- Cost pressures remained moderate as benzene feedstock costs softened, reducing unit production costs for LAB.
- Domestic demand from LABSA applications and steady exports helped balance inventories and sustain pricing levels.
APAC
- In South Korea, the Linear Alkyl Benzene Price Index fell by 1.11% quarter-over-quarter in Q3 2025.
- The average Linear Alkyl Benzene price for the quarter was approximately USD 1479.67/MT, reflecting stable market conditions.
- Linear Alkyl Benzene Spot Price remained flat as balanced supply kept Linear Alkyl Benzene Price Index steady.
- Linear Alkyl Benzene Price Forecast signaled modest gains later, while Demand Outlook stayed steady and Cost Trend anchored.
- Linear Alkyl Benzene Demand Outlook remains supportive, offsetting export headwinds and keeping prices from rising sharply.
- Linear Alkyl Benzene Spot Price volatility cooled by stable benzene feedstock and no disruptions in APAC.
- Linear Alkyl Benzene Price Index tracked a narrow range as restocking and festival-related demand remained limited.
- Linear Alkyl Benzene Price Index stayed anchored as Asia export activity provided support with balanced domestic supply.
- Market liquidity improved as detergent producers restocked, maintaining Linear Alkyl Benzene Price Index stability through September.
Why did the price of Linear Alkyl Benzene change in September 2025 in APAC?
- Supply and demand balance supported stability, with steady feedstock costs in APAC through the quarter.
- Export activity in Asia rose modestly, lifting sentiment but constrained by currency fluctuations and inventories.
- Costs remained stable as benzene prices stayed flat, preserving margins amid cautious buyers in APAC region.
Europe
- In Spain, the Linear Alkyl Benzene Price Index rose by 2.02% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting firm domestic demand and balanced supply.
- The average Linear Alkyl Benzene price for the quarter was approximately USD 1484.67/MT, based on Spain's LAB bids.
- LAB Spot Price remained indicative of steady liquidity, with inventories ample and producers maintaining cautious pricing discipline.
- LAB Price Forecast suggests modest firmness ahead as European cleaning demand supports restocking without excessive volatility.
- LAB Production Cost Trend eased slightly due to benzene price dips, aiding margins despite logistic headwinds.
- LAB Demand Outlook in Spain remains resilient from household care and cosmetics, supporting steady demand despite macro risks.
- LAB Price Index signals gradual stabilization across Europe as downstream pull aligns with supply restocking in Q3 2025.
- Export markets contribution remains limited, keeping pressure on spot movements while domestic demand cushions price fluctuations.
Why did the price of Linear Alkyl Benzene change in September 2025 in Europe?
- Tight European supply due to maintenance constrained availability, supporting September price resilience.
- Improved domestic demand from detergents supported restocking and limited LAB declines notably.
- Export dynamics remained mixed and North Africa steadiness; euro depreciation boosted competitiveness.
MEA
- In Saudi Arabia, the Linear Alkyl Benzene Price Index fell by 7.82% quarter-over-quarter, in Q3 2025, reflecting bearish market conditions.
- The average Linear Alkyl Benzene price for the quarter was approximately USD 1431/MT, broadly stable.
- LAB Spot Price movements mirrored the Price Index trajectory, reflecting steady feedstock costs and balanced demand.
- LAB Price Forecast remains cautious as Demand Outlook remains uncertain despite improving benzene feedstock supply.
- Production Cost Trend eased slightly due to benzene costs stabilization, supporting producers' pricing flexibility in the near term.
- LAB Spot Price sensitivity to export demand remained moderate, with Asian buyers and MEA markets balancing inventories.
- Demand Outlook in detergents and LABSA applications supported steady demand despite seasonal lull in MEA.
- Regional logistics and port congestion contributed to minor flattish Price Index readings amid price stabilization.
- Inventory levels remained elevated, limiting upside risk and reinforcing the muted LAB price dynamics in Saudi Arabia.
Why did the price of Linear Alkyl Benzene change in September 2025 in MEA?
- Supply-demand balance in MEA remained relatively stable, keeping price movements muted through September overall level.
- Rising benzene feedstock costs in September pressured margins, contributing to cautious price revisions by sellers.
- Export activity and regional logistics constraints influenced price signaling, despite steady domestic LAB transactions period.
