Toluene Prices Soften on Weak Gasoline Blending Interest

Loss of Blending Value

Toluene typically commands a premium when gasoline prices are high. With gasoline trending toward four-year lows, refiners are favoring cheaper alternatives, forcing more toluene into the solvent market where demand remains lackluster.

Chemical Demand Outlook

Demand from the Toluene Diisocyanate (TDI) sector is reportedly stable but insufficient to offset the loss of blending volume. Analysts expect toluene to remain under pressure until the spring driving season revives blending demand.