Asia's Benzene Outlook Clouded by Volatility, -2-

Supply remains constrained relative to historical norms, but demand fundamentals have weakened considerably as derivative margins erode and buyers delay purchases amid heightened uncertainty.

With Chinese and U.S. demand softening while operating rates in Asia gradually recover, market participants said benzene prices could remain highly reactive to developments in crude oil, naphtha availability and geopolitical headlines in the weeks ahead.

"The market is struggling to find balance," added the Singapore-based trader. "Supply is still tight, but demand is no longer strong enough to support another major rally unless energy prices spike again."

This content was created by Oil Price Information Service, which is operated by Dow Jones & Co. OPIS is run independently from Dow Jones Newswires and The Wall Street Journal.

--Reporting by Hazel Kumari, [e-mail]; Editing by Mei-Hwen Wong, [e-mail]

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

05-12-26 0252ET