Trade activity was weak in China's benzene market on September 20, with cargo holders sticking to their offer prices owing to less supply in circulation channel.
The market price for benzene ranged around 8400-8500 Yuan/ton both in East China and North China. In South China, market transaction was at around 8400-8600 Yuan/ton.
Actual negotiations in the market were weak as the sentiment was affected by the decline in oil prices. The demand from downstream buyers was flat and buying interest was insufficient. The low demand is expected to continue till October-end.
Production and marketing by benzene manufacturers was normal and the ex-factory price for benzene from Northwest Brand of China National Petroleum is 7750-7850 Yuan/ton for Lanzhou Petrochemical and 7450-7500 Yuan/ton for Urumqi Petrochemical.