Aromatics

　 Benzene prices on an FOB Korea basis and paraxylene (PX) prices on a CFR Northeast Asia basis both advanced. In the wake of rising crude oil prices and firm gasoline market conditions, the valuation of toluene and mixed xylene (MX) for gasoline blending remained high, leading to increased consumption as gasoline blending component. This bolstered overall aromatics prices.

Olefins

　 Ethylene prices on a CFR Northeast Asia basis showed no changes. As China observed holidays in the first half of the week, followed by Taiwan and South Korea in the latter half, no market participants were actively engaging in discussions. Regarding facilities, one naphtha cracker owned by a Japanese petrochemical maker was shut down due to troubles.

　 The propylene market in Asia was characterized by a strong wait-and-see stance. In the Northeast Asia market, a strong wait-and-see stance mood was observed as China, South Korea, and Taiwan successively entered holidays, with no bids or offers heard. In the Southeast Asia market, a Thai petrochemical maker reportedly sold a cargo for second-half October loading on a spot basis.

　 The butadiene market in Northeast Asia was subdued throughout the week, partly due to China observing holidays until the first half of the week. In the Southeast Asia market, information was heard that a Thai petrochemical maker sold a November loading cargo.

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