The Maleic Anhydride Price Trend in India remained firm during Q2 2026, with domestic prices increasing by approximately 36% compared with the previous quarter. The rise was mainly supported by higher import costs, elevated n-butane feedstock prices, and steady demand from industries such as unsaturated polyester resin, construction, coatings, and automotive manufacturing. Higher freight expenses linked to geopolitical uncertainty also kept supplier sentiment firm during the quarter.
The Indian maleic anhydride market experienced a noticeable price increase during Q2 2026. Domestic prices for maleic anhydride briquettes with purity of at least 99.5% increased by around 36% compared with the previous quarter.
For buyers, this was a significant change because maleic anhydride is an important intermediate used across several manufacturing industries. Its demand is closely connected with construction activity, resin production, coatings, automotive applications and other downstream sectors.
The price increase during Q2 was not caused by a single factor. Instead, several market conditions came together. Higher import costs increased the replacement cost for Indian buyers, while elevated n-butane prices raised production costs. At the same time, downstream demand remained healthy enough to support firm market conditions.
As a result, the Maleic Anhydride Price Trend in India continued to move upward during the quarter.
One of the main reasons behind higher Maleic Anhydride Prices was the increase in feedstock costs. N-butane is an important raw material in maleic anhydride production, so changes in its price can have a direct impact on production economics.
When feedstock prices rise, producers generally face higher manufacturing costs. Suppliers may then attempt to recover these additional expenses through higher selling prices.
This cost pressure was particularly important during Q2 2026 because n-butane prices remained elevated. The higher feedstock cost provided a strong base for domestic maleic anhydride prices.
Import costs were another important factor. India relies on international trade to meet part of its chemical requirements, and imported material is influenced by global prices, freight, insurance and other logistics expenses.
When import costs rise, domestic buyers may need to pay more even if local demand remains relatively stable.
Feedstock prices are always important when analyzing the maleic anhydride market. N-butane represents a significant part of the production cost, so any sustained increase can influence the entire value chain.
During Q2 2026, higher n-butane costs contributed to stronger price levels for maleic anhydride in India.
The relationship is fairly straightforward. If the cost of producing maleic anhydride increases, suppliers are less likely to reduce prices unless demand becomes significantly weaker. When downstream demand is healthy, producers have greater scope to pass some of the cost increase on to buyers.
This was the situation in India during Q2. Feedstock costs remained supportive while demand from important consuming industries stayed reasonably healthy.
Demand from downstream industries was another major factor behind the Q2 price increase.
Maleic anhydride is widely used in the production of unsaturated polyester resins. These resins have applications in construction, transportation, pipes, tanks and other products.