ICIS - chemical podcasts

The spread of conflict across the Middle East threatens another period of extreme market volatility, as players face up to increasing disruption with strategic reserves much lower than at the start of the conflict. • Seizure of the port of Mokha and Perim Island in the Bab Al-Mandeb Strait, threatens the closure a second key Gulf trade route• Global diesel supply critically short with Russian and Gulf refineries severely impaired• The magnitude of closed-off crude supplies and constrained oil product availability increases the risk of a 1973-74-style fuel crisis• Higher prices, tighter supply adds fuel to inflation, which could skyrocket over the next 12 months• Weaker US polyethylene margins and a slide back to negative margins in northeast Asia point to limited pricing power and weak demand • Inflation and energy costs could further hit consumer demand as northern hemispheric winter approachesWe also mark the passing of friend and contributor John Richardson. If listeners have memories of John they would like to share please get in touch at [email protected]

Europe’s increasing reliance on LNG leaves chemical producers exposed to winter price and supply shocks as the Middle East war drags on. Europe has become more reliant on LNG since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022 Russian gas market share has dropped sharply from up to 40% to below 10% Strait of Hormuz closure has removed major Qatari LNG, representing 20% of global supply European storage at record low levels in percentage terms ICIS TTF prices increasingly reflect geopolitical risk premiums Winter supply risks will rise if cold weather hits Asia competition with Europe for US LNG depends on spot price spreads Chemicals face renewed energy and feedstock cost pressure Fertiliser margins remain highly exposed to gas prices, possible closures In this ICIS Think Tank podcast, Will Beacham interviews Ed Cox, global LNG editor at ICIS. 

The summer lull continued to limit spot business across Europe's oxo-alcohols and derivatives markets, while Rhine water levels fell to exceptionally low levels through much of August, disrupting logistics and restricting barge traffic. Although recent rainfall has provided some relief, Rhine logistics remain a key uncertainty as market participants turn their attention to the traditional late August-September restocking period.Oxo-alcohols and butyl acetate reporter, Marion Boakye,  joins acrylate esters editor, Mathew Jolin-Beech, and glycol ethers editor, Cameron Birch, to discuss current conditions along the oxo-alcohols value chain.

SINGAPORE (ICIS)--India's dependence on polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) imports from the Middle East has made the country vulnerable to disruptions stemming from the ongoing US-Iran conflict.In this podcast, ICIS market specialist Aswin Kondapally discusses feedstock constraints on domestic production, how China has helped bridge supply gaps, and the shifting priorities of buyers navigating logistical uncertainty.This is part two of a two-part series. PP imports from China surged to 45% in early 2026, supplementing SEA cargoes amid Mideast disruptions Buyers prioritize shipment reliability over price amid logistics delays, freight uncertainty Buyers hesitate to place new orders amid delays of previously booked cargoes

SINGAPORE (ICIS)--India's dependence on polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) imports from the Middle East has made the country vulnerable to disruptions stemming from the ongoing US-Iran conflict.In this podcast, ICIS market specialist Aswin Kondapally discusses feedstock constraints on domestic production, how China has helped bridge supply gaps, and the shifting priorities of buyers navigating logistical uncertainty. This is part one of a two-part series.  PP imports from China surged to 45% in early 2026, supplementing SEA cargoes amid Mideast disruptions Buyers prioritize shipment reliability over price amid logistics delays, freight uncertainty Buyers hesitate to place new orders amid delays of previously booked cargoes