Story perspectives

Naphtha Prices Surge 60%, Straining Asian Petrochemical Producers

4/6/2026

Summary

Story summary

Naphtha prices in Asia have surged by about 60% to exceed $1,000 per metric ton in Singapore and Northeast Asia.
The price rise forces petrochemical producers in Japan and South Korea to reduce operations to 60% capacity.
Rising raw-material costs exceed the value of finished chemicals, disadvantaging Asian manufacturers against U.S. ethane production.
The ongoing oil supply shock intensifies these challenges and strains the region's economic stability.

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Story summary

Naphtha prices in Asia have surged by about 60% to exceed $1,000 per metric ton in Singapore and Northeast Asia.
The price rise forces petrochemical producers in Japan and South Korea to reduce operations to 60% capacity.
Rising raw-material costs exceed the value of finished chemicals, disadvantaging Asian manufacturers against U.S. ethane production.
The ongoing oil supply shock intensifies these challenges and strains the region's economic stability.