The Polyol Price Trend in Q2 2026 showed a strong upward movement across major Asian, Middle Eastern, and Indian markets. Higher crude oil values, expensive feedstocks, supply-chain disruptions, and difficulties around regional trade routes pushed production and import costs higher during most of the quarter.

Polyols are important raw materials for polyurethane products used in flexible foam, insulation, automotive components, furniture, mattresses, construction materials, and several industrial applications. As a result, changes in energy and feedstock costs can quickly influence buying decisions across the polyurethane supply chain.

 However, the market did not remain firm throughout the entire quarter. By June, buying activity became more cautious, inventories improved, and sellers started reducing quotations in several markets.

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Polyol Market Overview in Q2 2026

The second quarter of 2026 was marked by a sharp rise in costs for many chemical and polymer products. For polyols, the main pressure came from higher crude oil and upstream feedstock values. The closure and disruption of the Strait of Hormuz created additional uncertainty for energy supplies and regional logistics. This affected the cost of moving raw materials and finished products between producing and consuming markets.

During April and May, buyers were more willing to secure material because of concerns about further increases and possible supply delays. This created stronger spot demand in several markets. Producers and exporters, facing higher manufacturing and logistics expenses, maintained firm quotations.

The situation changed somewhat in June. Buyers who had already covered their immediate requirements became less active in the spot market. Many downstream manufacturers preferred to use existing inventories rather than make large fresh purchases at elevated prices. This resulted in a correction across several markets.

The quarterly increase therefore needs to be viewed alongside the June decline. The market experienced a significant rise during Q2, but the final month showed signs of stabilization.

Polyol Prices in Singapore

Singapore recorded a strong increase during Q2 2026. Export values for polyol, based on FOB Jurong terms for material with a molecular weight of 3000, viscosity of 530 mPa.s, and hydroxyl number of 54.5 to 58.5, increased by 31.53% compared with Q1 2026.

The rise was mainly connected with higher upstream propylene oxide costs. Since propylene oxide is an important raw material in polyol production, any substantial increase in its cost can affect the final selling price. Producers also faced higher operating expenses as energy, transportation, and other supply-chain costs increased.

During the early part of the quarter, downstream polyurethane foam manufacturers continued to make spot inquiries. Foam producers need a steady supply of polyols for applications such as mattresses, furniture cushioning, automotive seating, and other flexible foam products. This kept buying interest reasonably active despite the higher quotations.

June brought a different market environment. Singapore polyol prices declined by 11.17% from the previous month. Buyers became more careful after the rapid increases seen earlier in the quarter. Instead of aggressively building inventories, many purchasers waited for clearer indications of where the market was heading. Suppliers responded by adjusting their offers to encourage new business.

Polyol Prices in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia experienced an even stronger quarterly increase. Export values on an FOB Jeddah basis for polyol with a molecular weight of 3000, viscosity of 550–650 mPa.s, and hydroxyl number of 53–59 increased by 38.41% in Q2 2026 compared with Q1.

The regional supply situation played an important role in this movement. Disruptions to trade routes and changes in shipping patterns increased uncertainty around exports. When transportation routes become more complicated, suppliers may face longer delivery times and higher freight-related expenses. These costs can eventually appear in export quotations.

Higher feedstock and processing expenses also kept producer offers firm. Regional manufacturers had to account for elevated input costs while preparing export shipments, which contributed to the increase seen during the quarter.

However, the market began to cool in June. Saudi Arabian polyol prices decreased by 11.46% compared with May. Downstream manufacturers reduced immediate order volumes after covering earlier requirements. At the same time, inventory availability improved gradually. This reduced the urgency among buyers and encouraged suppliers to become more flexible with quotations.

Polyol Prices in India

India also recorded a substantial quarterly increase. Import prices at CIF Nhava Sheva for polyol with a molecular weight of 3000, viscosity of 530 mPa.s, and hydroxyl number of 54.5 to 58.5 increased by 30.18% in Q2 2026 compared with Q1.

For the Indian market, international feedstock costs and shipping expenses were particularly important. Higher energy values increased the replacement cost of imported material, while additional freight pressure raised landed costs at the port.

Indian polyurethane formulators continued purchasing during much of the quarter because regular production schedules could not be stopped for long periods. Polyols are widely used in foam and polyurethane formulations, making reliable material availability important for downstream manufacturers.

At the same time, buyers became more cautious as prices moved higher. By June, importers were dealing with inventories purchased at earlier elevated levels. As a result, many preferred to consume existing stocks before making additional spot commitments.

This change in purchasing behavior contributed to an 8.94% monthly decline in June. The correction did not completely remove the quarterly increase, but it showed that the market was moving away from the aggressive buying conditions seen earlier in Q2.

Polyol Prices in China

China recorded the largest quarterly increase among the markets covered in this analysis. Polymer polyol export values on an FOB Qingdao basis, for material with a molecular weight of 6000 and viscosity below 5000 mPa.s, increased by 46.36% in Q2 2026 compared with Q1.

The strong movement was linked to higher upstream energy and propylene oxide costs. When the cost of major raw materials rises, manufacturers generally need to adjust their selling prices to protect margins. This was particularly important during a quarter when logistics and energy markets were also experiencing uncertainty.

Demand from automotive and insulation applications supported the market during the earlier part of Q2. Polyurethane materials are widely used in vehicle components and thermal insulation, so continued consumption from these industries helped maintain buying activity.

Nevertheless, the market lost some momentum in June. Chinese polyol prices declined by 10.07% compared with May. Overseas buyers became more cautious and slowed new orders while watching energy markets, freight conditions, and downstream demand.

Export sellers subsequently reduced quotations to attract buyers. The June correction suggests that the market was entering a more balanced phase after the sharp increase recorded during April and May.

Polyol Price Chart and Market Movement

The Polyol Price Chart for Q2 2026 shows a clear difference between the quarterly movement and the final-month direction. On a quarter-on-quarter basis, prices increased strongly across all four monitored markets.

China recorded the highest quarterly increase at 46.36%, followed by Saudi Arabia at 38.41%, Singapore at 31.53%, and India at 30.18%. These movements demonstrate how strongly feedstock, logistics, and regional supply conditions influenced the market.

However, June presented a different picture. Singapore declined 11.17%, Saudi Arabia decreased 11.46%, India fell 8.94%, and China declined 10.07% compared with May.

This combination of sharp quarterly growth and June correction is important for buyers. Looking only at the quarterly increase may give the impression that prices remained continuously firm. In reality, market conditions became less aggressive toward the end of the quarter.

Polyol Price Index and June Correction

The Polyol Price Index also reflected this change in market sentiment. During most of Q2, the index moved upward as producers faced higher input costs and buyers tried to secure material amid supply concerns.

By June, the direction changed. Improving inventory buffers reduced the need for immediate purchases, while downstream buyers became more selective. Some buyers also delayed new commitments because they expected the market to stabilize after the earlier price surge.

A monthly correction does not necessarily mean that all underlying costs have returned to earlier levels. Producers may still be dealing with higher raw material and logistics expenses. Instead, the June decline indicates that supply and demand conditions became more balanced.

This is a common pattern in chemical markets. When prices rise quickly, buyers often purchase more aggressively at first because they are concerned about further increases. Once inventories become sufficient, purchasing slows and sellers may have to compete more actively for new orders.

What Influenced the Q2 Polyol Market?

Several factors shaped the market during the quarter. The first was the increase in crude oil and related energy costs. Since petrochemical feedstocks are connected to the energy market, higher crude values can raise the cost of producing important intermediates.

Propylene oxide was another important factor. Higher propylene oxide costs placed direct pressure on polyol manufacturing expenses, particularly in markets where producers depend heavily on imported or externally sourced feedstock.

Logistics were also significant. Disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz created uncertainty for regional shipping and increased transportation costs. Longer or diverted routes can increase freight expenses and complicate delivery planning.

The fourth factor was downstream demand. Polyols are used in many polyurethane applications, so demand from construction, automotive, furniture, insulation, mattresses, and other industries helped maintain consumption during the quarter.

Finally, buyer sentiment played an important role. Strong purchasing during periods of uncertainty supported prices in April and May. More cautious purchasing in June contributed to the subsequent correction.

Outlook for Polyol Prices

Looking ahead, the polyol market is likely to remain sensitive to feedstock and energy movements. The direction of crude oil, propylene oxide, freight costs, and regional supply availability will remain important factors for buyers and sellers.

If feedstock and transportation costs remain elevated, producers may continue to face pressure to maintain relatively firm quotations. On the other hand, if logistics continue to normalize and inventories remain comfortable, buyers may have greater negotiating power.

Downstream demand will also matter. Strong polyurethane consumption from construction, automotive, insulation, furniture, and other applications could provide support. If manufacturers remain cautious with new orders, spot prices could face additional pressure.

The June correction provides an important signal that buyers are no longer purchasing with the same urgency seen earlier in the quarter. Therefore, future market movement may depend more heavily on actual consumption rather than inventory building.

The Q2 2026 polyol market experienced a significant rise across Singapore, Saudi Arabia, India, and China. Quarterly increases ranged from 30.18% in India to 46.36% in China, with higher feedstock expenses, energy costs, logistics disruptions, and firm downstream demand providing the main support.

At the same time, June brought a clear correction. Polyol prices declined across all four monitored markets as buyers reduced spot activity, inventories improved, and purchasing became more cautious. This shows that the market moved from a period of strong cost pressure and supply concerns toward a more balanced environment by the end of the quarter.

For businesses involved in polyurethane manufacturing, procurement, and distribution, monitoring feedstock costs, freight conditions, inventory levels, and downstream consumption will remain important. The quarterly increase provides one part of the market picture, while the June correction highlights the importance of tracking short-term buying behavior as well.

For a detailed Polyol Price Trend, forecast, market outlook, and regional price analysis, businesses can continue monitoring changes in raw material costs, supply conditions, and downstream demand to support better purchasing and planning decisions.

Please Submit Your Query For Polyol Price Trend, Market Analysis and Forecast: https://www.price-watch.ai/book-a-demo/

About Price Watch™

Price Watch™ is an India-based, independent raw material price reporting agency that provides real-time price forecasts and data-driven insights into global raw material markets. Price Watch™ specializes in tracking raw material prices, analyzing market trends, and delivering timely updates on plant shutdowns, supply disruptions, capacity expansions, and demand-supply dynamics. The Price Watch™ platform empowers manufacturers, traders, and procurement professionals to make faster, smarter decisions. Leveraging AI-powered forecasting and over a decade of historical data, Price Watch™ transforms market volatility into actionable opportunity.

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