Mideast War Boosts US Petrochemicals as Methanol Hits Four-Year High

US spot petrochemical prices showed no signs of easing last week, led by a surge in methanol to its highest level in nearly four years as buyers seek alternatives to disrupted Middle Eastern supplies of key plastic-making materials.

Spot methanol climbed to about $1.27 a gallon on Friday, the highest since April 2022. The chemical — which is used in fuels, plastics and as a key feedstock for olefins production — tracks tightening availability across global markets.