Consumer Insights
Uncover trends and behaviors shaping consumer choices today
Procurement Insights
Optimize your sourcing strategy with key market data
Industry Stats
Stay ahead with the latest trends and market analysis.
Explore Our Diverse Range Of Offerings
From detailed reports to experts services offered in 15+
Industry Domains
Add 2 More Reports For 20% off
Benzene Prices, Demand and Supply Overview
Benzene prices in Germany, the highest-cost reporting region, jumped 9.9% in Q2 2026 to USD 1,110.00/MT from USD 1,010.00/MT in Q1, extending an extraordinary rally driven by Strait of Hormuz-related crude oil and naphtha cost pressure. Globally, the average rose from USD 962.00/MT in Q1 to USD 1,056.50/MT in Q2, a 9.8% gain, following an even sharper 15.9% surge in Q1 alone. For H2 2026, a global average of USD 980.00-1,150.00/MT is expected, with prices likely to stay elevated even as the pace of gains moderates from their extreme first-half levels.
Benzene is the foundational aromatic hydrocarbon of the petrochemical industry, produced primarily as a byproduct of naphtha steam cracking and catalytic reforming during gasoline production. It serves as the essential feedstock for styrene, phenol, cyclohexane, and nitrobenzene, which in turn underpin polystyrene, polycarbonate, nylon, and countless other downstream chemicals and plastics. Because benzene sits so close to crude oil in the production chain, its price is unusually sensitive to crude oil movements and refinery and steam cracker operating rates. Crude oil and naphtha feedstock costs, refinery and steam cracker utilization rates, and downstream demand from styrene, phenol, and cyclohexane producers are what drive prices in this market.
Benzene Price Forecast for 2026
The outlook for Benzene through H2 2026 stays firm, though the extraordinary pace of the first-half rally should moderate as shipping conditions through the Strait of Hormuz gradually normalize. Downstream demand from styrene, phenol, and nylon precursor producers remains structurally intact, meaning prices are likely to settle at a materially higher plateau than pre-2026 levels rather than fully reverting.
The main upside risk is a renewed escalation of Middle East shipping disruptions, which could reignite the kind of sharp move seen in the first half of 2026. The main downside risk is a faster-than-expected normalization of crude oil and naphtha costs combined with softer downstream demand, which would pull prices back toward pre-crisis levels.
| Region | 2026 Price Range (USD/MT) | Outlook |
| Global Average | 980.00 - 1,150.00 | Elevated crude and naphtha costs keep this market firm |
| Germany | 1,040.00 - 1,220.00 | Naphtha-based European producers carry the highest cost |
| United States | 1,010.00 - 1,180.00 | Downstream styrene and phenol demand supports firm pricing |
| South Korea | 990.00 - 1,150.00 | Strong petrochemical demand keeps this market elevated |
| China | 950.00 - 1,110.00 | Largest volume market, closely tracks crude oil movements |
For the Quarter Ending June 2026
Benzene Prices Q2 2026:
- Germany: USD 1,110.00/MT
- United States: USD 1,080.00/MT
- South Korea: USD 1,055.00/MT
- China: USD 1,010.00/MT
Benzene Prices in Germany
German Benzene prices averaged USD 1,110.00/MT in Q2 2026, the highest of any region tracked here, up 9.9% from USD 1,010.00/MT in Q1, as naphtha-based European producers continued facing the full weight of elevated crude oil costs.
Why did the price of Benzene change in Q2 2026 in Germany?
Elevated crude oil and naphtha costs, sustained by ongoing Strait of Hormuz-related shipping tensions, continued flowing directly through to German and broader European benzene production economics, keeping this market at the top of the range tracked in this report.
Benzene Prices in the United States
US prices averaged USD 1,080.00/MT in Q2 2026, up 10.2% from USD 980.00/MT in Q1, as firm downstream demand from styrene and phenol producers kept this market moving in step with the broader global rally.
Why did the price of Benzene change in Q2 2026 in the United States?
Downstream demand from styrene, phenol, and cyclohexane producers stayed firm even as elevated feedstock costs pushed prices higher, with domestic refiners passing through a meaningful share of the increase.
Benzene Prices in South Korea
South Korean prices averaged USD 1,055.00/MT in Q2 2026, up 9.3% from USD 965.00/MT in Q1, tracking the broader Asian petrochemical complex closely.
Why did the price of Benzene change in Q2 2026 in South Korea?
Strong regional petrochemical demand, combined with the same elevated crude and naphtha cost environment affecting every other market, kept South Korean prices climbing in step with the broader Asian complex.
Benzene Prices in China
Chinese prices averaged USD 1,010.00/MT in Q2 2026, the lowest of the four regions, up 9.8% from USD 920.00/MT in Q1, as the world's largest consuming market absorbed the full force of the global feedstock cost spike.
Why did the price of Benzene change in Q2 2026 in China?
As the largest single consumer of benzene globally, China felt the crude oil-driven feedstock spike directly, with resilient downstream styrene and phenol demand giving domestic producers little reason to resist passing through higher costs.
For the Quarter Ending March 2026
Benzene Prices Q1 2026:
- Germany: USD 1,010.00/MT
- United States: USD 980.00/MT
- South Korea: USD 965.00/MT
- China: USD 920.00/MT
Benzene Prices in Germany
German prices surged 15.4% in Q1 2026 to USD 1,010.00/MT from USD 875.00/MT in Q4 2025, one of the sharpest quarterly moves recorded anywhere in this report, as Middle East tensions pushed crude and naphtha costs sharply higher.
Why did the price of Benzene change in Q1 2026 in Germany?
Escalating tension around the Strait of Hormuz disrupted crude oil and naphtha shipping routes, pushing feedstock costs sharply higher across the entire European aromatics complex just as downstream demand held broadly steady.
Benzene Prices in the United States
US prices jumped 15.3% in Q1 2026 to USD 980.00/MT from USD 850.00/MT in Q4 2025, tracking the broader global surge in crude-linked feedstock costs.
Why did the price of Benzene change in Q1 2026 in the United States?
Crude oil prices surged amid disruption of a significant share of global oil and LNG flows through the Strait of Hormuz, and that pressure flowed directly through to benzene production costs across domestic refiners and steam crackers.
Benzene Prices in South Korea
South Korean prices surged 16.3% in Q1 2026 to USD 965.00/MT from USD 830.00/MT in Q4 2025, one of the steepest regional gains of the quarter.
Why did the price of Benzene change in Q1 2026 in South Korea?
Regional refiners and steam crackers faced the same crude oil and naphtha cost spike affecting every other market, and firm downstream petrochemical demand meant little resistance to passing those costs through to buyers.
Benzene Prices in China
Chinese prices jumped 16.5% in Q1 2026 to USD 920.00/MT from USD 790.00/MT in Q4 2025, the sharpest regional move as the world's largest consuming market absorbed the full brunt of the crude oil spike.
Why did the price of Benzene change in Q1 2026 in China?
Reduced seaborne crude availability and sharply higher shipping and insurance costs tied to the Iran conflict pushed feedstock costs to their highest level in years, and with Chinese steam crackers running at healthy utilization, that cost pressure translated directly into higher benzene prices.
Quarterly Benzene Price Trends
Global Benzene prices dipped modestly in Q2 2025 before climbing through the second half of the year, then accelerated dramatically in Q1 and Q2 2026 as escalating tension around the Strait of Hormuz disrupted crude oil and naphtha shipping routes, making this one of the most volatile commodities covered across this report series.
| Quarter | Price (USD/MT) | QoQ Change | Direction |
| Q2 2026 | 1,056.50 | +9.8% | ↑ Rising |
| Q1 2026 | 962.00 | +15.9% | ↑ Rising |
| Q4 2025 | 830.00 | +6.5% | ↑ Rising |
| Q3 2025 | 779.00 | +5.4% | ↑ Rising |
| Q2 2025 | 739.00 | - | — Stable |
| Q3 2026 | In Progress | - | — In Progress |
What was Benzene Price in 2025?
Benzene firmed steadily across every market covered in this report through 2025, with a soft start to the year giving way to a consistent climb as crude and naphtha costs gradually built through the second half, setting the stage for the dramatic acceleration that followed once Strait of Hormuz-related shipping tensions intensified in early 2026.
Benzene Prices in Germany in 2025
German prices firmed from about USD 800.00/MT in Q1 2025 to USD 875.00/MT by Q4, a gain of roughly 9.4%, well before the dramatic 2026 spike that followed.
Benzene Prices in the United States in 2025
US prices firmed from about USD 780.00/MT in Q1 2025 to USD 850.00/MT by Q4, up roughly 9.0%, tracking firm downstream styrene and phenol demand through the year.
Benzene Prices in South Korea in 2025
South Korean prices firmed from about USD 760.00/MT in Q1 2025 to USD 830.00/MT by Q4, a gain of roughly 9.2%, tracking the broader Asian petrochemical demand recovery.
Benzene Prices in China in 2025
Chinese prices firmed from about USD 720.00/MT in Q1 2025 to USD 790.00/MT by Q4, up roughly 9.7%, the strongest annual gain of the four regions, as steam cracker utilization and downstream demand both improved through the year.
How We Can Help
Expert Market Research: Your Source for Real-Time Benzene Price Intelligence
Expert Market Research tracks Benzene prices continuously across every major producing and consuming region, combining crude oil and naphtha feedstock cost data, refinery and steam cracker utilization trends, and styrene, phenol, and cyclohexane demand signals into a single, regularly updated view of the market. Our team can help your procurement function benchmark current offers, plan purchases around the exceptional volatility covered in this report, and build a defensible view of where this foundational aromatic chemical is headed next. Reach out to our team for a tailored briefing or a deeper look at any of the regional markets covered here.
Pricing Plans
Upto 15% Off
USD
-
$799 $699
*While we strive to always give you current and accurate information, the numbers depicted on the website are indicative and may differ from the actual numbers in the main report. At Expert Market Research, we aim to bring you the latest insights and trends in the market. Using our analyses and forecasts, stakeholders can understand the market dynamics, navigate challenges, and capitalize on opportunities to make data-driven strategic decisions.*
Frequently Asked Questions About This Report
It serves as the essential feedstock for styrene, phenol, cyclohexane, and nitrobenzene, which in turn underpin polystyrene, polycarbonate, nylon, and countless other downstream chemicals and plastics.
The Q2 2026 global average was USD 1,056.50/MT, ranging from USD 1,010.00/MT in China to USD 1,110.00/MT in Germany.
The global average jumped from USD 830.00/MT in Q4 2025 to USD 962.00/MT in Q1 2026, a 15.9% surge, and then to USD 1,056.50/MT in Q2, continuing one of the most dramatic price moves covered in this report series.
Escalating tension around the Strait of Hormuz disrupted crude oil and naphtha shipping routes, pushing feedstock costs sharply higher across every major producing region just as downstream demand held broadly steady.
The global average is expected in the USD 980.00-1,150.00/MT range, with prices likely to stay elevated even as the pace of gains moderates from their extreme first-half levels.
China holds the lowest cost among the regions tracked here despite absorbing the sharpest recent gains, while Germany carries the highest cost given its naphtha-based European production base.
This report is updated monthly. For real-time pricing intelligence, connect with the Expert Market Research team.
Crude oil and naphtha feedstock costs, refinery and steam cracker utilization rates, and downstream demand from styrene, phenol, and cyclohexane producers.
China is the largest producer and consumer, with the United States, South Korea, and Germany also maintaining substantial production capacity tied to their domestic petrochemical industries.
Buyers can closely monitor crude oil and shipping-route risk indicators given their outsized influence on this market, time forward purchases around the quarterly breakdowns in this report, and benchmark supplier quotes against the tracked price ranges.
One Year Subscription
One Year Subscription
USD 799
USD 699
tax inclusive*
- Report in Excel Format
- 3 Months Price Forecast
- Historical Prices for the Past 3 Years
-
Summary Of Factors Influencing Prices
- Current Price Overview
- 3-Month Price Forecast
- Historical Price Summary
*Please note that the prices mentioned below are starting prices for each bundle type. Kindly contact our team for further details.*
Bundle Type
Flash Bundle
20% OFF
Number of Reports: 3
Small Business Bundle
25% OFF
Number of Reports: 5
Growth Bundle
30% OFF
Number of Reports: 8
Enterprise Bundle
35% OFF
Number of Reports: 10
Overview
- Historical Price Trends
- Current Market Pricing
- 3-Month Price Forecast
- Grade / Specification-wise Pricing
- Pricing Data in Excel Format
- Pricing Summary
- Monthly Price Updates
- Regional Price Benchmarking
- Price Drivers & Market Influencing Factors
- Analyst Support for Pricing Insights
- Historical Price Trends
- Current Market Pricing
- 3-Month Price Forecast
- Grade / Specification-wise Pricing
- Pricing Data in Excel Format
- Pricing Summary
- Monthly Price Updates
- Regional Price Benchmarking
- Price Drivers & Market Influencing Factors
- Analyst Support for Pricing Insights
- Historical Price Trends
- Current Market Pricing
- 3-Month Price Forecast
- Grade / Specification-wise Pricing
- Pricing Data in Excel Format
- Pricing Summary
- Monthly Price Updates
- Regional Price Benchmarking
- Price Drivers & Market Influencing Factors
- Analyst Support for Pricing Insights
- Historical Price Trends
- Current Market Pricing
- 3-Month Price Forecast
- Grade / Specification-wise Pricing
- Pricing Data in Excel Format
- Pricing Summary
- Monthly Price Updates
- Regional Price Benchmarking
- Price Drivers & Market Influencing Factors
- Analyst Support for Pricing Insights
*Please note that the prices mentioned below are starting prices for each bundle type. Kindly contact our team for further details.*
Flash Bundle
Number of Reports: 3
20%
tax inclusive*
- 3 Reports Included
- Historical Price Trends
- Current Market Pricing
- 3-Month Price Forecast
- Grade / Specification-wise Pricing
- Pricing Data in Excel Format
- Pricing Summary
- Monthly Price Updates
- Regional Price Benchmarking
- Price Drivers & Market Influencing Factors
- Analyst Support for Pricing Insights
Small Business Bundle
Number of Reports: 5
25%
tax inclusive*
- 5 Reports Included
- Historical Price Trends
- Current Market Pricing
- 3-Month Price Forecast
- Grade / Specification-wise Pricing
- Pricing Data in Excel Format
- Pricing Summary
- Monthly Price Updates
- Regional Price Benchmarking
- Price Drivers & Market Influencing Factors
- Analyst Support for Pricing Insights
Growth Bundle
Number of Reports: 8
30%
tax inclusive*
- 8 Reports Included
- Historical Price Trends
- Current Market Pricing
- 3-Month Price Forecast
- Grade / Specification-wise Pricing
- Pricing Data in Excel Format
- Pricing Summary
- Monthly Price Updates
- Regional Price Benchmarking
- Price Drivers & Market Influencing Factors
- Analyst Support for Pricing Insights
Enterprise Bundle
Number of Reports: 10
35%
tax inclusive*
- 10 Reports Included
- Historical Price Trends
- Current Market Pricing
- 3-Month Price Forecast
- Grade / Specification-wise Pricing
- Pricing Data in Excel Format
- Pricing Summary
- Monthly Price Updates
- Regional Price Benchmarking
- Price Drivers & Market Influencing Factors
- Analyst Support for Pricing Insights
How To Order
Select License Type
Choose the right license for your needs and access rights.
Click on ‘Buy Now’
Add the report to your cart with one click and proceed to register.
Select Mode of Payment
Choose a payment option for a secure checkout. You will be redirected accordingly.
Strategic Solutions for Informed Decision-Making
Gain insights to stay ahead and seize opportunities.
Get insights & trends for a competitive edge.
Track prices with detailed trend reports.
Analyse trade data for supply chain insights.
Leverage cost reports for smart savings
Enhance supply chain with partnerships.
Connect For More Information
Our expert team of analysts will offer full support and resolve any queries regarding the report, before and after the purchase.
Our expert team of analysts will offer full support and resolve any queries regarding the report, before and after the purchase.
We employ meticulous research methods, blending advanced analytics and expert insights to deliver accurate, actionable industry intelligence, staying ahead of competitors.
Our skilled analysts offer unparalleled competitive advantage with detailed insights on current and emerging markets, ensuring your strategic edge.
We offer an in-depth yet simplified presentation of industry insights and analysis to meet your specific requirements effectively.