① [Chempricehub] 9/14: Disruption in Saudi crude oil pipeline transport; continued pressure from Houthi forces exacerbates supply risks, driving up international oil prices. NYMEX October crude futures closed at $101.39/barrel, up $1.34 (+1.34%); ICE November Brent futures closed at $105.68/barrel, up $1.07 (+1.02%). China INE November 2026 crude futures rose by 19.8 to 776.5 RMB/barrel during the day session and climbed by 45 to 821.5 RMB/barrel in the night session.
② Today, the domestic cyclohexanone capacity utilization rate is approximately 59.5%. The integration of cyclohexanone production with caprolactam is well-established, with most facilities producing both simultaneously. Commodity-grade supply remains stable, while downstream chemical fiber orders are being placed as needed.
③ Sinopec refineries in East, South, and Central China have raised pure benzene prices by 550 RMB/ton to 9,900 RMB/ton, effective September 10.
Table 1: Domestic Cyclohexanone Price Summary (Unit: RMB/ton)
| Market | Specification | Sep 14 | Sep 15 | Change | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| East China | Cyclohexanone | 10750 | 10750 | 0 | 0% |
Based on the East China market, today’s reference price for cyclohexanone is 10,700–10,800 RMB/ton, unchanged from the previous trading day. Feedstock pure benzene is trending weaker, offering limited cost support. Spot supply of cyclohexanone remains stable, but downstream buyers are cautious about following higher prices, resulting in a volatile market trend.
Today, the integrated cyclohexanone-caprolactam production model remains robust, ensuring stable commodity supply and consistent market availability.
Feedstock pure benzene is trending downward, weakening cost-side support. Current spot supply of cyclohexanone is stable, and downstream demand for high-priced goods remains cautious. Consequently, short-term cyclohexanone prices are expected to follow pure benzene in a weak trend.
Pure Benzene Market:
Today, pure benzene prices in East China opened high but traded lower, with mainstream negotiations ranging from 9,680 to 9,930 RMB/ton, largely in line with morning forecasts. Attacks on Saudi oil pipelines combined with tanker risks in the Strait of Hormuz caused a sharp rise in international oil prices, providing strong cost-side support and pushing spot negotiation centers significantly higher. Holders are resisting price cuts and reluctant to sell. However, the main contract on the futures board closed lower, with limited momentum in deferred contracts, as long positions unwound due to risk aversion, reflecting a lack of confidence in the sustainability of high prices. Although port inventories have accumulated slightly, they remain at low levels, maintaining a tight spot market structure. Downstream procurement is primarily driven by rigid demand, with cautious acceptance of higher prices.
Caprolactam:
Today, the delivered price for caprolactam in East China stood at 14,300 RMB/ton (acceptance basis), holding steady compared to the previous working day. Upstream pure benzene spot prices are fluctuating, while Sinopec’s listed pure benzene prices remain firm, sustaining cost support for caprolactam. Producers intend to continue raising prices, but specific quotes were not clearly issued early in the week. As a result, the market remained in a wait-and-see mode today.
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