September Pure Benzene Market Overview (September 1–30, 2025)

September 30 update

I. Price Trends

According to the commodity market analysis system, the pure benzene market in Shandong province has experienced volatile fluctuations this month. Prices mainly declined in the first half of the month, rebounded in the middle, and then fell again toward the end. On September 1, the price stood at 5,975.33 CNY per ton; by September 30, it had dropped to 5,848.67 CNY per ton, representing a 2.12% decrease compared to the beginning of the month.

Market Analysis

Pure benzene: Today, the market price of pure benzene in China has fallen. The wide decline in international crude oil prices has affected the market confidence of pure benzene, dragging down the pure benzene market. As the National Day holiday approaches, the wait-and-see sentiment in the spot market is becoming increasingly evident, with very few transactions; most local refineries in Shandong have lowered their prices to sell off stock. Sinopec's East China and South China refineries have reduced the price of pure benzene by 150 CNY/ton to 5750 CNY/ton. Overall, the preparations for the October 1st holiday have ended, and the market during the National Day holiday period is full of uncertainties. It is expected that the pure benzene market will experience a weak fluctuation in the short term, with actual transactions being negotiated on a case-by-case basis.

This month, Sinopec's pure benzene price was reduced by 250 CNY per ton to 5750 CNY per ton.

Downstream side

III. Market Forecast

Crude Oil Futures: On September 29, international crude oil futures closed lower. The settlement price for the November contract of U.S. WTI crude oil futures was $63.45 per barrel, down $2.27, or 3.5%. Meanwhile, the December contract for Brent crude oil futures settled at $67.09 per barrel, falling by $2.13, or 3.1%.

Foreign market pure benzene: On September 29, FOB Korea fell by $1 to $707 per ton, while CFR China dropped by $1 to $723 per ton. Meanwhile, FOB Rotterdam rose by $7 to $663 per ton, and FOB U.S. Gulf increased by $1 to 252 cents per gallon.

Overall, it is expected that in the short term, the pure benzene market in China will experience a weak and fluctuating trend, with close attention being paid to cost and demand factors. Continued focus should be given to the movements of crude oil and foreign markets, as well as the operational status of pure benzene and downstream facilities, and changes in demand, which all impact the price of pure benzene.