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Polyisobutylene prices in Germany, the highest-cost reporting region, rose 6.0% in H1 2026, recovering from USD 2.50/KG in Q1 to USD 2.65/KG by Q2 as Middle East isobutylene supply disruptions and recovering fuel additive and adhesive sector demand reversed the brief Q1 crude-linked correction. Globally, the average rose from USD 1.912/KG in Q1 to USD 2.027/KG in Q2, a 6.0% gain. For H2 2026, a global average of USD 2.04-2.28/KG is expected, with continued firming on petrochemical feedstock disruptions and growing fuel additive and adhesive sealant sector demand.
Polyisobutylene, commonly abbreviated as PIB, is produced through the cationic polymerisation of isobutylene from refinery-grade or chemical-grade isobutylene feedstock using Lewis acid catalysts at low temperatures, yielding a range of molecular weight grades. The largest pull comes from fuel and lubricant additive production, where high-molecular-weight polyisobutylene is used to formulate dispersant and viscosity modifier additives for engine oils and marine fuel lubrication systems. Additional demand comes from pressure-sensitive adhesive and hot melt sealant formulations, rubber compounding as an impact modifier and flex agent, food-contact packaging adhesive applications, and chewing gum base production. Isobutylene feedstock costs, fuel additive and adhesive sector demand, and regional polymerisation capacity all feed into the price.
The balance of supply and demand for polyisobutylene through H2 2026 leans cautiously firm. Isobutylene feedstock costs firmed from Middle East refinery and petrochemical supply disruptions. Fuel additive and adhesive sector demand is recovering with improving automotive and industrial maintenance activity.
The main upside risk is a sustained isobutylene cost increase alongside accelerating fuel additive and adhesive market growth in emerging economies. The main downside risk is continued crude oil softness and adequate refinery isobutylene output that limits the extent of feedstock recovery.
| Region | 2026 Price Range (USD/KG) | Outlook |
| Global Average | 2.04 - 2.28 | Isobutylene firming and fuel additive demand support |
| United States | 2.16 - 2.40 | Steady fuel additive and adhesive demand holds firm |
| China | 1.58 - 1.82 | Large production capacity keeps it the most affordable |
| Germany | 2.64 - 2.88 | High feedstock and energy costs keep it the most expensive |
| India | 2.02 - 2.26 | Growing additive and rubber demand holds a firm middle |
US polyisobutylene prices averaged USD 2.20/KG in Q2 2026, up 5.8% from USD 2.08/KG in Q1 2026. Firmer isobutylene feedstock costs from Middle East refinery supply disruptions elevated production expenses. Fuel additive and adhesive sealant procurement maintained consistent buying through the quarter.
Why did the price of Polyisobutylene change in Q2 2026 in the United States?
Firmer isobutylene feedstock costs from Middle East refinery disruptions raised the cationic polymerisation production cost floor. Fuel lubricant additive and adhesive sealant procurement lifted buying from PIB producers. Rubber compounding and food packaging adhesive sector demand provided additional consistent buying support.
Chinese polyisobutylene prices averaged USD 1.58/KG in Q2 2026, up 6.0% from USD 1.49/KG in Q1 2026, the lowest among the tracked markets. Spring fuel additive and adhesive sector procurement lifted buying. Firmer domestic isobutylene costs raised the production floor despite large domestic polymerisation capacity.
Why did the price of Polyisobutylene change in Q2 2026 in China?
Spring fuel additive and adhesive sealant procurement lifted buying from domestic PIB producers. Firmer domestic isobutylene feedstock costs raised the production cost floor. Large domestic capacity kept China the most affordable source despite the quarterly recovery.
German polyisobutylene prices averaged USD 2.65/KG in Q2 2026, up 6.0% from USD 2.50/KG in Q1 2026, the highest among the tracked markets. Higher isobutylene and energy costs elevated European production economics. Recovering fuel additive and rubber compounding demand maintained consistent buying.
Why did the price of Polyisobutylene change in Q2 2026 in Germany?
Higher isobutylene and energy costs elevated European cationic polymerisation production economics. Middle East refinery disruptions added import cost premiums to isobutylene feedstock. Recovering fuel lubricant additive and rubber compounding demand maintained consistent procurement.
Indian polyisobutylene prices averaged USD 2.03/KG in Q2 2026, up 6.3% from USD 1.91/KG in Q1 2026. Growing fuel additive and rubber compounding demand supported buying. Firmer import-linked isobutylene costs raised the production floor through the quarter.
Why did the price of Polyisobutylene change in Q2 2026 in India?
Growing fuel lubricant additive and rubber compounding demand lifted procurement from domestic producers. Firmer import-linked isobutylene feedstock costs raised the production floor. Middle East freight premiums elevated the landed cost of imported polyisobutylene and isobutylene feedstock.
US polyisobutylene prices averaged USD 2.08/KG in Q1 2026, declining from Q4 2025. Softer crude-linked isobutylene costs and year-end fuel additive procurement moderation reduced the production cost floor near USD 2.08/KG.
Why did the price of Polyisobutylene change in Q1 2026 in the United States?
Softer crude oil benchmarks reduced the isobutylene feedstock production cost floor. Year-end fuel additive and adhesive procurement moderation lowered buying urgency. The market eased to USD 2.08/KG before the Q2 2026 Middle East-driven recovery.
Chinese prices averaged USD 1.49/KG in Q1 2026, declining on the quarter. Soft crude-linked isobutylene costs and post-Lunar New Year demand moderation held the market near USD 1.49/KG.
Why did the price of Polyisobutylene change in Q1 2026 in China?
Soft crude-linked isobutylene costs eased the production floor. Post-Lunar New Year demand moderation reduced buying urgency. Large domestic polymerisation capacity maintained comfortable supply near USD 1.49/KG.
German prices averaged USD 2.50/KG in Q1 2026, declining from Q4 2025. Softer isobutylene and crude costs and reduced fuel additive procurement eased the market near USD 2.50/KG.
Why did the price of Polyisobutylene change in Q1 2026 in Germany?
Softer crude oil and isobutylene feedstock costs reduced the European production cost floor. Reduced fuel additive procurement slowed buying. Adequate import availability maintained supply balance near USD 2.50/KG before the Q2 recovery.
Indian prices averaged USD 1.91/KG in Q1 2026, declining on the quarter. Softer crude-linked import costs reduced procurement costs near USD 1.91/KG.
Why did the price of Polyisobutylene change in Q1 2026 in India?
Softer crude-linked isobutylene import costs eased the production floor. Seasonal demand moderation reduced urgency. The market eased to USD 1.91/KG before the Q2 2026 Middle East-driven recovery.
Global polyisobutylene prices rose through Q3 and Q4 2025 on the fuel additive and rubber season, dipped in Q1 2026 on crude softness, then surged in Q2 2026 on Middle East disruptions. The average rose from USD 1.875/KG in Q2 2025 to USD 1.913/KG in Q3 and USD 1.951/KG in Q4, eased to USD 1.912/KG in Q1 2026, then surged to USD 2.027/KG in Q2 2026, a net gain of about 8.1% over the window. Isobutylene feedstock cycles and fuel additive and adhesive sector demand drove the pattern.
| Quarter | Price (USD/KG) | QoQ Change | Direction |
| Q2 2026 | 2.027 | +6.0% | ↑ Rising |
| Q1 2026 | 1.912 | -2.0% | ↓ Falling |
| Q4 2025 | 1.951 | +2.0% | ↑ Rising |
| Q3 2025 | 1.913 | +2.0% | ↑ Rising |
| Q2 2025 | 1.875 | - | - Stable |
| Q3 2026 | In Progress | - | - In Progress |
Polyisobutylene prices firmed through H2 2025 on the fuel additive and rubber processing season. The global average opened at USD 1.880/KG in Q1 2025 and closed near USD 1.951/KG in Q4, a full-year gain of about 3.8%. Consistent fuel lubricant additive and adhesive sealant demand and firming isobutylene feedstock costs supported the H2 2025 uptick before the Q1 2026 crude-linked correction.
US prices firmed from about USD 2.05/KG in Q1 2025 to USD 2.12/KG by Q4, a gain of 3.4%. Consistent fuel additive, adhesive, and rubber compounding demand and firming isobutylene costs maintained the upward trend through H2 2025.
Chinese prices fell from roughly USD 1.55/KG in Q1 2025 to USD 1.52/KG by Q4, a decline of 1.9%. Large domestic polymerisation capacity and competitive pricing maintained downward pressure. China held the lowest price level throughout.
German prices firmed from about USD 2.45/KG in Q1 2025 to USD 2.55/KG by Q4, a gain of 4.1%, the strongest in the dataset. Consistent fuel additive and rubber demand and firm isobutylene and energy costs supported the market throughout the year.
Indian prices firmed from roughly USD 1.88/KG in Q1 2025 to USD 1.95/KG by Q4, a gain of 3.7%. Growing fuel additive and rubber compounding demand drove the consistent firming through the year.
Expert Market Research: Your Source for Real-Time Polyisobutylene Price Intelligence
Expert Market Research tracks polyisobutylene prices continuously across every major producing and consuming region. The team traces causation through isobutylene feedstock economics, fuel additive and adhesive sector demand cycles, and regional cationic polymerisation capacity. Contact Expert Market Research today for polyisobutylene pricing data, bespoke market analysis, and strategic procurement advisory.
*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.*
Fuel and lubricant additive production for engine oil dispersants and viscosity modifiers takes the largest share. Pressure-sensitive adhesive and hot melt sealant formulations, rubber compounding as an impact modifier, food-contact packaging adhesives, and chewing gum base also consume significant volumes.
The Q2 2026 average was USD 2.20/KG in the United States, USD 1.58/KG in China, USD 2.65/KG in Germany, and USD 2.03/KG in India. Germany remains the highest-priced market.
The global average rose from USD 1.912/KG in Q1 to about USD 2.027/KG in Q2, a gain of around 6.0%. Middle East refinery disruptions and recovering fuel additive demand drove the H1 rebound following the Q1 crude-linked correction.
Softer crude oil benchmarks reduced isobutylene feedstock production costs. Year-end fuel additive and adhesive procurement moderation reduced buying urgency. Adequate refinery isobutylene output maintained comfortable supply before the Q2 Middle East-driven recovery.
The global average is expected in the USD 2.04 to 2.28/KG range for H2 2026, with continued firming as isobutylene feedstock costs stay elevated and fuel additive and adhesive sector demand grows.
Germany sits highest on isobutylene and energy costs, the United States and India hold a firm middle on fuel additive and rubber demand, and China prices lowest on large domestic polymerisation capacity.
This report is updated monthly. For real-time pricing intelligence, contact the Expert Market Research team directly.
Prices respond mainly to isobutylene and crude oil feedstock costs, fuel additive and lubricant season cycles, and adhesive and rubber sector activity. Middle East refinery supply events and automotive lubricant market trends are key signals.
North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific host the largest cationic polymerisation capacity tied to refinery isobutylene output. Any crude oil or isobutylene cost shift ripples across markets within one to two quarters.
Buyers can use quarterly trends and forecasts to time fuel additive and adhesive formulation contracts, build cover when isobutylene signals tightening, and monitor crude oil benchmarks as the primary upstream feedstock signal.
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