Open-spec naphtha prices in Asia began the week on a softer note. On Monday, bids for the first half of September were assessed at USD 596 per metric ton CFR Far East, while offers stood slightly higher at USD 598 per metric ton CFR Far East. This reflected a marginal decline of USD 2 per metric ton compared to Friday’s levels, signaling cautious sentiment among market participants.
According to an industry source in Asia who spoke with a team member, the regional naphtha market continues to find support from expectations of reduced supply in the near term. Lotte Chemical Co. of South Korea was reported to have purchased 25,000 tons of naphtha for late October delivery at a CIF price around USD 5 per ton above Japanese benchmarks, highlighting active procurement despite the recent price dip. Meanwhile, Singapore-based Aster Chemical & Energy is expected to restart its 1.1 million metric ton per year ethylene unit in November, a development that could further influence naphtha demand dynamics. As of Monday, Singapore spot naphtha was assessed at USD 64.72 per barrel.
In Europe, the naphtha market moved in the opposite direction, with prices registering modest gains. Assessments on Monday were heard in the range of USD 545–550 per metric ton, marking an increase of USD 5 per metric ton from the previous trading day. This divergence underscores the regional variations in sentiment, as European markets maintain a firmer tone while Asia balances softer pricing against supply-driven optimism.
