Naphtha Price Trend

Naphtha Price Trend, Index and Forecast

Track real-time and historical naphtha prices across global regions. Updated monthly with market insights, drivers, and forecasts.

Naphtha Prices March 2026

Naphtha Price Index (USD/KG): 

The chart below highlights monthly naphtha prices across different regions.

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Market Overview Q4 Ending December 2025

Northeast Asia: The naphtha prices in Northeast Asia reached 1.05 USD/KG in December 2025. The downward pricing movement registered between September and December 2025 was 3.0%. Weakened downstream demand from the petrochemical steam cracker and reforming industries, which moderated feedstock procurement volumes amid muted ethylene and aromatics production activity throughout the area, was the main cause of the price fall. Regional naphtha suppliers' pricing support was further undermined by declining upstream crude oil benchmark valuations. Raised cargo availability from conventional exporting origins raised supply side pressure, while elevated inventory levels at major port storage facilities heightened competitive price dynamics among merchants and refiners.

Europe: The naphtha prices in Europe reached 0.63 USD/KG in December 2025. The downward pricing movement registered between September and December 2025 was 11.8%. Amid broader declines in regional industrial manufacturing production and refinery throughput, reduced demand in the petrochemical cracking and gasoline blending industries led to a notable price adjustment. Production cost benchmarks were significantly lowered by softening upstream crude oil valuations, which decreased baseline pricing support across the supply chain. While surplus stockpiles at key storage ports led to competitive discounts to speed up inventory turnover, increased cargo availability from a variety of international sourcing channels further pressured current market rates.

Middle East: The naphtha prices in the Middle East reached 0.58 USD/KG in December 2025. The upward pricing movement registered between September and December 2025 was 0.1%. The negligible price increase reflected a predominantly stable market environment, with supply and demand fundamentals in equilibrium across the region. Steady export demand from traditional petrochemical consuming destinations maintained consistent offtake volumes, while controlled refinery production output ensured balanced supply availability. Firm upstream crude oil feedstock costs provided marginal pricing support for regional producers, while moderate domestic consumption from the steam cracking and reforming segments sustained baseline procurement activity.

North America: The naphtha prices in North America reached 0.54 USD/KG in December 2025. The downward pricing movement registered between September and December 2025 was 7.4%. As refinery margins softened and steam cracker operating rates decreased across the region, weaker demand in the petrochemical feedstock and gasoline blending industries was blamed for the significant price drop. Production cost assistance for local refiners and suppliers was significantly reduced by declining upstream crude oil benchmark valuations. Comfortable inventory levels were maintained by ample supply from strong domestic refinery output, and naphtha use was further reduced by rising competition from lighter alternative feedstocks such as ethane.

Market Overview Q3 Ending September 2025

Northeast Asia: Northeast Asia witnessed notable price pressures. The region experienced sustained downward pressure primarily driven by weakened demand from downstream petrochemical sectors, particularly in China, where new capacity additions created oversupply conditions. Steam cracker margins remained compressed across major production hubs including, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan, leading to reduced naphtha consumption for ethylene production. Supply-side dynamics showed improved availability as regional refineries operated at higher utilization rates following maintenance completion in earlier quarters. Cost structure benefits emerged from stabilized crude oil prices, though international shipping costs remained elevated due to ongoing logistics challenges in key trade routes. Port congestion issues persisted at major terminals, including Shanghai and Busan, adding handling delays and storage costs. The region's industrial recovery showed signs of moderation, with automotive and electronics sectors reducing their derivative demand for naphtha-based feedstock.

Europe: The upward trend was influenced by stronger demand from the petrochemical sector, particularly in ethylene and propylene production, as manufacturers sought to replenish inventories after subdued activity earlier in the year. On the supply side, maintenance turnarounds at major European refineries constrained availability, amplifying upward pressure on prices. Additional cost components, including elevated shipping tariffs from the Middle East and higher port handling charges, further contributed to pricing strength. Currency fluctuations, particularly the euro’s depreciation against the US dollar, added to import costs for non-regional players. Rising energy costs linked to geopolitical instability in Eastern Europe also created a ripple effect in logistics and compliance expenses.

Middle East: Naphtha prices in the Middle East reflected a quarterly increase. The modest rise was primarily driven by robust export demand from Asia, especially China and India, where naphtha continues to serve as a key petrochemical feedstock. On the supply side, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates maintained steady output levels, supported by strong crude throughput. However, heightened shipping rates through the Suez Canal, coupled with insurance premiums tied to regional geopolitical tensions, raised transaction costs for Middle Eastern exporters. Domestically, consumption remained limited as most production was directed toward the export market, keeping local availability stable. Currency stability in the Gulf region mitigated some import-export volatility, but higher global crude oil benchmarks provided a cost-push factor.

North America: North America demonstrated modest price appreciation driven by improved regional demand fundamentals and supply optimization. The region experienced strengthening demand from petrochemical sectors, particularly in the US Gulf Coast, where ethylene production margins improved, supporting increased naphtha consumption for feedstock applications. Canadian oil sands production stability contributed to consistent regional supply availability, while US shale oil output maintained steady naphtha yields from light crude processing. Supply chain conditions benefited from reduced maintenance activities at major refineries following extensive turnarounds in previous quarters. Cost structures showed mixed influences, with natural gas price stability supporting processing economics while crude oil price fluctuations created margin variability.

Naphtha Price Trend, Market Analysis, and News

IMARC's latest publication, “Naphtha Prices, Trend, Chart, Demand, Market Analysis, News, Historical and Forecast Data Report 2026 Edition,” presents a detailed examination of the naphtha market, providing insights into both global and regional trends that are shaping prices. This report delves into the spot price of naphtha at major ports and analyzes the composition of prices, including FOB and CIF terms. It also presents a detailed naphtha price trend analysis by region, covering North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East and Africa. The factors affecting naphtha pricing, such as the dynamics of supply and demand, geopolitical influences, and sector-specific developments, are thoroughly explored. This comprehensive report helps stakeholders stay informed with the latest market news, regulatory updates, and technological progress, facilitating informed strategic decision-making and forecasting.

Naphtha Industry Analysis

The global naphtha industry size reached USD 180.38 Billion in 2025. By 2034, IMARC Group expects the market to reach USD 230.27 Billion, at a projected CAGR of 2.75% during 2026-2034. The market is driven by expanding petrochemical production for plastics manufacturing, increasing demand from gasoline blending operations, growing solvent applications in industrial processes, and emerging bio-naphtha initiatives supporting sustainable fuel transitions across global markets.

Latest developments in the naphtha industry:

• July 2025: Haldia Petrochemicals Limited. (HPL) is a contemporary Petrochemical Complex that uses naphtha as its main feedstock. HPL ranks as the second biggest producer of polyethylene in India, boasting a total capacity of 700 KTA. The firm has started a Rs. A capex plan of 5,500 crore for an integrated OCU-Phenol project, featuring a total capacity of 560,000 TPA of phenol and acetone.
• June 2025: In a significant action indicating a long-awaited overhaul of South Korea's petrochemical sector, Lotte Chemical Corp. and HD Hyundai Co. are in final discussions to merge their naphtha cracking center (NCC) activities at the Daesan petrochemical facility. This partnership is a direct reaction to severe market pressures, mainly arising from aggressive oversupply by Chinese manufacturers and the resulting financial burden on local companies.
• April 2025: Aramco entered into an agreement with Chinese state-owned Sinopec to construct and incorporate a 1.8mn t/yr mixed-feed ethylene steam cracker and a 1.5mn t/yr aromatics complex into the 400,000 b/d Yasref refinery. This type of integration would generally channel naphtha to the petrochemical facilities and shift it away from the gasoline blending pool, traders noted.
• February 2025: ExxonMobil acquired multiple deliveries of naphtha for its recently opened petrochemical facility in southern China, according to Reuters. The facility, located in the Dayawan Petrochemical Industrial Park in Huizhou, Guangdong province, is among the rare large petrochemical plants in China that are entirely owned by a foreign investor, aimed at manufacturing premium petrochemical products. The ExxonMobil facility is scheduled to get a naphtha shipment of 55,000 metric tons (489,500 barrels). The chemical facility will manufacture performance polymers utilized in packaging, automotive, agricultural, and hygiene and personal care consumer products.
• October 2024: QatarEnergy entered into an important long-term naphtha supply contract with Shell International Eastern Trading Company, a unit of Shell based in Singapore. The contract, lasting 20 years, includes the provision of up to 18 million tons of naphtha to Shell, with shipments scheduled to start in April 2025.

Product Description

Naphtha is a volatile, flammable liquid hydrocarbon mixture derived from crude oil refining processes, occupying a critical position as an intermediate petroleum product in the global energy and chemicals value chain. This light petroleum fraction exhibits excellent volatility characteristics and serves as a fundamental building block for the petrochemical industry worldwide. Naphtha's primary industrial applications include steam cracking feedstock for ethylene and propylene production, gasoline blending component for octane enhancement, and solvent applications in various chemical processes. The petrochemical sector utilizes naphtha extensively for producing plastics, synthetic fibers, and rubber, while its role in gasoline formulation enhances fuel performance and environmental compliance, making it indispensable for modern industrial operations and transportation fuel systems.

Report Coverage

Key Benefits for Stakeholders:

• IMARC’s report presents a detailed analysis of naphtha pricing, covering global and regional trends, spot prices at key ports, and a breakdown of Ex Works, FOB, and CIF prices.
• The study examines factors affecting naphtha price trend, including raw material costs, supply-demand shifts, geopolitical impacts, and industry developments, offering insights for informed decision-making.
• The competitive landscape review equips stakeholders with crucial insights into the latest market news, regulatory changes, and technological advancements, ensuring a well-rounded, strategic overview for forecasting and planning.
• IMARC offers various subscription options, including monthly, quarterly, and biannual updates, allowing clients to stay informed with the latest market trends, ongoing developments, and comprehensive market insights. The naphtha price charts ensure our clients remain at the forefront of the industry.