① [Chempricehub] Oct 13: Intensifying conflict between Houthi rebels and Saudi Arabia has heightened supply risks, while the market assesses expectations of increased Russian supply, leading to mixed movements in international crude oil prices. NYMEX November crude oil futures closed at $94.14/barrel, up $0.40/barrel (+0.43%); ICE December Brent crude oil futures closed at $105.69/barrel, down $0.96/barrel (-0.90%). China INE December 2026 crude oil futures rose by 22.5 yuan to 732 yuan/barrel; night session prices rose by 8.6 yuan to 740.6 yuan/barrel.
② Today, the domestic cyclohexanone capacity utilization rate is approximately 59.7%. The trend toward integrated cyclohexanone-caprolactam production continues to mature, with most facilities producing caprolactam synchronously. Supply of commodity cyclohexanone remains stable, while downstream chemical fiber orders are being placed on an as-needed basis.
③ Sinopec refineries in East, South, and Central China have raised pure benzene prices by 200 yuan/ton to 10,800 yuan/ton, effective October 14.
Table 1: Domestic Cyclohexanone Price Summary (Unit: Yuan/Ton)
| Market | Specification | Oct 13 | Oct 14 | Change Value | Change % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| East China | Cyclohexanone | 11450 | 11550 | +100 | +0.87% |
Based on the East China market, today’s cyclohexanone price reference range is 11,500–11,600 yuan/ton, an increase of 100 yuan/ton from the previous trading day (approximately +0.87%). Raw material cost pressure remains significant. Spot supply of cyclohexanone is stable, but downstream buyers are cautious about following high prices, resulting in volatile market movements.
Today, the integration of cyclohexanone and caprolactam production continues to improve, reducing the supply of commodity-grade cyclohexanone. Downstream chemical fiber orders remain limited.
Pure benzene prices are fluctuating upward, maintaining significant cost pressure. Capacity utilization for commodity cyclohexanone remains moderate, and downstream procurement is strictly demand-driven. In the short term, cyclohexanone prices are expected to follow pure benzene trends with continued volatility.
Pure Benzene Market: On October 14, the spot pure benzene market in East China opened higher but trended lower, with transactions negotiated at 10,750–10,850 yuan/ton. Early morning trading maintained the bullish sentiment from the previous day, pushing transaction levels higher. However, buying momentum subsequently weakened, causing prices to fall back amid volatility, though essential demand improved after the dip. Geopolitical tensions remain high, with no easing in US-Iran tensions sustaining supply risk concerns. However, the market has largely priced in these factors, reducing further upward momentum. Port inventories remain low, and tight spot circulation persists. Holders maintain a firm pricing stance, but high-price transactions are difficult to achieve, prompting some sellers to offer discounts to move inventory.
Caprolactam: Today, the caprolactam market price in East China was 14,300 yuan/ton (accepted bill, delivered), holding steady compared to the previous working day. The caprolactam market is currently characterized by a wait-and-see attitude. As supply gradually recovers, the caprolactam supply landscape is shifting toward a looser balance.
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