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In the Spotlight

Oil and gas group warns against 'catastrophic consequences' of Iran war for global oil market / G7 countries release national reserves

— By PIE staff — If oil production in the Middle East continues to be affected by the Iran war, the global oil market could face “catastrophic consequences”. This warning was issued by Amin Nasser, head of the world’s largest oil and gas Group, Saudi Aramco. Presenting the company’s results for the fourth quarter of 2025, Nasser also announced that, for the time being, Saudi Aramco would pump its oil... (12.03.2026)

LOGISTICS

War in Middle East grips maritime logistics / Freight rates surge / Forces majeures announced due to supply shortages

— By PIE staff — A week and a half after the start of the Iran war, it is becoming increasingly clear that the military conflict in the Middle East has paralysed large parts of global maritime shipping operations. According to the latest calculations, close to 1,000 cargo ships are lying at anchor in the... (11:27)

PETROCHEMICAL MARKETS

Ineos Styrolution imposes order freeze on polystyrene, ABS

— By PIE staff — Styrene plastics manufacturer Ineos Styrolution is no longer accepting orders at its production sites in Europe with immediate effect. This measure is initially intended to remain in place until the end of March. In a letter to customers obtained by PIE, the company cited the sharp rise in... (11.03.2026)

PETROCHEMICAL MARKETS

PET: Indorama declares force majeure in Europe / Sharp price increases expected

— By PIE staff — The Iran war and production problems in Poland and Lithuania are currently adding up to a series of setbacks for Indorama Ventures. The global PET market leader has therefore declared force majeure with immediate effect on deliveries to European customers, the PIE Price Team has learned in... (11.03.2026)

MIDDLE EAST CONFLICT

Massive mark-ups on prices for virgin material / What purchasing strategy should processors adopt? / Recyclers face possible upswing, boom in demand

— By PIE staff — The growing disruptions in the global plastics industry’s supply chains could give the European recycling sector an unexpected boost. PIE’s two market and logistics experts – Martin Bäcker and Vincent Breit – have pointed this out. Especially in times of crisis, plastics processing... (11.03.2026)

UPDATE - PETROCHEMICAL MARKETS

Polyolefins, PVC: Forces majeures and energy surcharges from LyondellBasell, Ineos, Sabic

— By PIE staff — As disruptions in olefin production in the Middle East and East Asia increasingly emerge due to shortages of crude oil and naphtha – for example through forces majeures at crackers in Taiwan, Singapore, and India – the military escalation in the Middle East is drawing ever closer to... (11.03.2026)

VIETNAM

Investment boost from foreign companies / European plastics processors increasing presence / Scaling global trade via 'China-plus-one' strategy

— By PIE staff — Vietnam is increasingly positioning itself as a key manufacturing hub in Southeast Asia as companies diversify supply chains away from China. Within the framework of so-called China-plus-one strategy, many international manufacturers are establishing additional production capacities in the... (11.03.2026)

Plastic Fantastic

Shrinkflation faces blowback at last — By PIE staff — What you see isn’t always what you get. For example, packaging that stays the same as its filling continues to shrink. Suddenly what you’re buying is worth less – but not ... (06.03.2026)

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Spot Price Monitor

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The pricing of feedstocks, PE and PP spot material in Europe is becoming increasingly important for the market.

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PIE topic Middle East Conflict

The Iran war and its consequences for the plastics industry

Tensions in the Middle East have reached a new peak: following the recent attacks by Israel and the US on Iran, the geopolitical situation continues to escalate. Energy prices, raw material availability and logistics flows are sensitive to the escalation in this key region.

PIE – Plastics Information Europe analyses the scenarios that are now conceivable and how they could affect energy and raw material markets, supply chains and competitive structures in Europe.

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Latest News

SABIC Resin maker changes C2/C3 formula-based contracts / Price hikes for PE, PP	17:40
TRINSEO March surcharges for styrenics more than doubled	17:23
POLYMER PRICES Update: North America Trend March: Polymer producers announce drastic price demands due to Iran conflict / Increased export demand / Higher raw material costs add upward pressure	13:16
ENERGENTA German recycler seals takeover of MBA Polymers' local ops	06:00
PLASTIC INGENUITY US thermoformer expands into Europe for first time / Acquisition of Germany's Spezi-Pack	06:00
RIGK / GCR German-Spanish pilot project demonstrates recycling of complex industrial packaging	06:00
AOC Resin producer follows up with second price increase in three weeks	11.03.2026
SONGWON Price increases for stabilisers and coatings	11.03.2026
BEN KUNSTSTOFFE Sheet manufacturer announces significant surcharges due to Iran war / Passing on higher costs	11.03.2026

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Price Reports and Announcements

TRINSEO March surcharges for styrenics more than doubled	17:23
POLYMER PRICES Update: North America Trend March: Polymer producers announce drastic price demands due to Iran conflict / Increased export demand / Higher raw material costs add upward pressure	13:16
AOC Resin producer follows up with second price increase in three weeks	11.03.2026
SONGWON Price increases for stabilisers and coatings	11.03.2026
POLYMER PRICES North America February: Firmer feedstock prices drive PP, PVC, PS upwards / PE and engineering grades remain unchanged due to weak demand / Iran war pushes oil prices higher / Prices in March likely to stay unchanged or trend firmer	10.03.2026
ENVALIOR Higher prices for PA 6, PBT	09.03.2026
TRINSEO Sharp price increase for PMMA	09.03.2026
POLYMER PRICES Composites/GRP February: Prices for ortho resins go up / Discounts being offered for glass fibre products / Escalation in Middle East aggravates supply fears	04.03.2026
BASF Petchem giant announces price hike for additives	04.03.2026
POLYMER PRICES Engineering thermoplastics February: Several months of falling prices come to an end / Middle East conflict causes rise in quotations / Reliability of supply takes priority	04.03.2026

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Readers' Choice

MIDDLE EAST CONFLICT How Iran war is affecting global plastics industry / Strait of Hormuz a bottleneck for world trade / Is this the turnaround for European polymer production?	03.03.2026
POLYETHYLENE IMPORTS War in Iran threatens Europe's PE supply / Shortage expected within six weeks as US volumes unlikely to compensate	06.03.2026
MIDDLE EAST CONFLICT Massive mark-ups on prices for virgin material / What purchasing strategy should processors adopt? / Recyclers face possible upswing, boom in demand	11.03.2026
LOGISTICS Iran war throws global container shipping into chaos / Operators announce risk surcharges / Is a surge in freight rates looming?	05.03.2026
US-IRAN WAR Persian Gulf refineries under attack / Regional energy sites possible targets / Plastics plants at risk	06.03.2026
UPDATE - PETROCHEMICAL MARKETS Polyolefins, PVC: Forces majeures and energy surcharges from LyondellBasell, Ineos, Sabic	11.03.2026
SABIC Middle East's largest petrochemical group records massive 2025 loss / CEO says current military tensions in the Gulf region have not affected plant safety	06.03.2026
PETROCHEMICAL MARKETS Ineos Styrolution imposes order freeze on polystyrene, ABS	11.03.2026