Octanol Supply Recovered This Month, with Prices Rising First and Then Falling (September 2026)

1. Key Market Focus for the Month

1. Increased supply of 2-ethylhexanol (Oxo-alcohol) in the market.
2. Profit margins for 2-ethylhexanol dropped to low levels by month-end.
3. Pre-holiday inventory buildup ahead of the National Day holiday remained lackluster.

2. Monthly Market Analysis

Domestic 2-Ethylhexanol Daily Price Trend (2025–2026)
(Unit: CNY/ton)

Monthly Price Change Table for Domestic 2-Ethylhexanol
(Unit: CNY/ton)

Data Source: Chempricehub Information

In September, the domestic 2-ethylhexanol market first rose and then fell. As of September 30, the ex-factory price in Shandong stood at 8,950 CNY/ton, an increase of 350 CNY/ton compared to the closing price at the end of August. This month, the 2-ethylhexanol market was significantly influenced by the trends in international crude oil prices and raw material propylene prices. During the early-to-mid part of the month, strong sentiment from high-fluctuating international crude oil prices and propylene prices boosted market confidence, driving 2-ethylhexanol prices gradually higher. In the mid-to-late part of the month, sentiment weakened as crude oil and propylene prices softened. Simultaneously, previously offline units resumed operations, increasing plant operating rates. However, downstream plasticizer producers operated only at moderate loads, leading to a loose supply situation and downward pressure on market prices. Downstream users showed little enthusiasm for spot inventory buildup before the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day holidays, resulting in mild trading activity. Shandong-based factories focused on clearing inventories and shipping goods before the National Day holiday. By the end of September, spot negotiations in the Shandong market were consolidating at lower levels.

3. Analysis of Market Influencing Factors

1. Trends in international crude oil and raw material propylene prices.
2. Resumption status of 2-ethylhexanol production units.
3. Low enthusiasm among downstream plasticizer and end-user sectors for pre-holiday stockpiling.

4. Next Month Market Forecast

In October, the national supply of 2-ethylhexanol will increase, with supply peaking in the early-to-mid period before declining. Supply pressure will intensify during this phase. Some downstream enterprises may briefly halt or reduce production during the National Day holiday, leading to an accumulation of industry inventories in the early-to-mid period. This will constrain price increases, keeping overall market supply slightly loose. Raw material propylene prices are expected to fluctuate at high levels, providing relative support to 2-ethylhexanol costs. Meanwhile, volatility in international crude oil prices will continue to affect buyer sentiment. The average monthly price of 2-ethylhexanol in October is expected to show limited fluctuation compared to September, with a slight decline projected.

For more detailed monthly market analysis, please refer to the Chempricehub Oxol Plasticizers Monthly Report.