Rising feedstock costs lead to price increase nominations for US IPA market

HOUSTON (ICIS)–The US isopropanol (IPA) market is weighing price increase nominations  for the second time in less than a month.

However, after seeking a 5 cent/lb increase in December, producers are now seeking a 10 cent/lb ($220/tonne) increase.

ExxonMobil and LyondellBasell introduced their second set of nominations. In addition, Sasol is seeking its first increase, at 5 cents/lb.

Although representatives for these companies did not respond to requests for comment, multiple players noted the nominations.

Separate price increase nominations can be seen below:

Company	Product	Date of Proposed Increase	Amount
ExxonMobil	IPA	4-Jan	10 cents/lb
LyondellBasell	IPA	6-Jan	10 cents/lb
Sasol	IPA	1-Jan	5 cents/lb

Buyers said that higher prices were reflected this week in pricing letters, but they were still uncertain if higher prices had been fully implemented, partially implemented, or if discussions were ongoing.

Domestic IPA prices are assessed at 61-65 cents/lb delivered (DEL) US Gulf.

Prices for the past year can be seen in the chart below.

US IPA suppliers include ExxonMobil, Dow Chemical, LyondellBasell, Monument Chemical and Shell Chemical.