April Benzene Market Trend Summary (April 1-30, 2026) in China

April 30th News

I. Price Trends

According to the commodity market analysis system, the pure benzene market in Shandong region of China mainly operated with fluctuating prices this month. Overall, the prices slightly increased. The price on April 1st was 8,553.33 CNY/ton; the price on April 30th was 8,636.67 CNY/ton, an increase of 0.97% from the beginning of the month.

II. Market Analysis

Pure benzene: Today, the market price of pure benzene in China has risen. International crude oil futures continue to rise, and benzene futures have also increased, driving up the spot market and boosting market confidence. The price of pure benzene from local refineries in Shandong has continued to rise slightly. Sinopec has raised the price of pure benzene at its refineries in East China and South China by 150 CNY/ton, setting the new price at 8,850 CNY/ton, effective from April 30. It is expected that the pure benzene market will remain strong and volatile in the short term.

This month, the price of pure benzene by Sinopec in China was reduced by 150 CNY/ton to 8,850 CNY/ton.

Downstream sector

III. Future Market Forecast

Crude Oil Futures: On April 29, international crude oil futures surged significantly. The June contract for U.S. WTI crude oil futures closed at $106.88 per barrel, up $6.95, or 6.9%. The June contract for Brent crude oil futures closed at $118.03 per barrel, up $6.77, or 6.1%.

Foreign market pure benzene: On April 29, FOB Korea rose by $9 to $1,119 per ton, and CFR China rose by $9 to $1,112 per ton. FOB Rotterdam fell by $6 to $1,262 per ton, while FOB USG rose by $8 to 454 cents per gallon.

Overall forecast: Affected by the Middle East conflict, the situation between the U.S. and Iran remains deadlocked, and the overall market sentiment for pure benzene is expected to remain relatively strong in the short term. It is still necessary to closely monitor developments on both the cost side and the demand side. Continue to pay attention to trends in crude oil prices, overseas markets, as well as the dynamics of pure benzene and downstream facilities and changes in demand, all of which will influence pure benzene prices.