Methanol prices in the United States held steady on Monday despite bullish momentum in upstream energy markets. An industry source in the US, speaking on condition of anonymity, told a Polymerduniya team member that buying interest in the region remained muted, which kept trading activity subdued and prevented any upward shift in values. As a result, methanol was assessed at 95.00–95.50 cents/gallon FOB US Gulf, unchanged from last Friday’s levels. Market participants noted that while stronger crude oil and natural gas values provided a supportive backdrop, tepid demand in both industrial and chemical applications limited price movements.
The stability in methanol pricing also reflected balanced supply conditions, with no major disruptions reported in the US Gulf market. Sources suggested that buyers were adopting a cautious approach, purchasing only as needed, as they awaited clearer signals from downstream sectors such as formaldehyde, acetic acid, and MTBE production.
In Asia, methanol prices mirrored the steady tone seen in the US. On Monday, CFR China values were assessed at USD 262–264/mt, holding unchanged from last week. Market activity in the region was reported to be moderate, with suppliers and buyers largely waiting on the sidelines.
Industry observers pointed out that both regions are currently being shaped by a combination of strong upstream energy costs and lackluster demand, creating a stalemate in price direction. While firmer crude values could eventually lend upward pressure, the near-term outlook for methanol appears stable, with pricing expected to remain rangebound until a shift in downstream consumption provides new momentum.
