The market center of gravity for octanol has shifted downward.

1. Today's Summary

1. Feedstock propylene prices edged lower, leading to negative margins for octanol production costs.
2. Domestic octanol plant operating rates stood at 79%; downstream DOP plant operating rates were at 57%, and DOTP plant operating rates were at 67%.
3. Anqing Shuguang’s Phase II unit is operating normally; Daqing Petrochemical has restarted its unit; Qilu Petrochemical plans to shut down its 85,000-ton capacity unit tomorrow.

2. Spot Market Overview

Table 1: Summary of Domestic Octanol and Key Downstream Prices (Unit: RMB/ton)

Today, the ex-factory price for octanol in Shandong was 9,700 RMB/ton, while the reference market price in Jiangsu was 9,900 RMB/ton. The domestic octanol market center shifted downward today, with buying enthusiasm remaining lackluster. Although feedstock propylene prices declined slightly, increasing cost pressure on octanol producers, the supply side remains loose due to the recent restart of several octanol units. Consequently, downstream users are primarily focusing on consuming existing raw material inventories. Some merchants actively offered lower prices to move inventory, which weighed on transactions at higher quoted prices.

3. Production Dynamics

Today, the domestic octanol capacity utilization rate was 79%. With feedstock propylene prices edging lower, the contract listing price for Shandong octanol remained at 9,700 RMB/ton, resulting in a loss of 455 RMB/ton for Shandong octanol producers.

4. Price Forecast

Recently, domestic octanol plants have gradually resumed operations and are running at high loads, leading to a loose supply environment. Some traders are actively selling at slightly lower prices, putting pressure on higher market quotes. It is expected that the octanol market center will remain weak tomorrow.

5. Related Products

Following the decline in octanol prices, DOP market prices continued to trend downward. However, as it is early in the week, market participants maintain a cautious wait-and-see attitude. Overall inquiries are subdued, with end-users primarily placing small orders based on rigid demand.

6. Data Calendar

Table 2: Domestic Octanol Data Overview (Unit: 10,000 tons, RMB/ton)