Caustic soda price spikes on closure of manufacturing plants abroad

Chlorine prices have improved to negative of Rs 2,000-3,000 a tonne due to healthy demand

Prices of caustic soda have risen by nearly 30 per cent over the last four months due to healthy demand growth and lower supplies following closure of manufacturing plants in Europe and China.

According to the latest report from rating agency ICRA, caustic soda prices for spot delivery in the US jumped to $581 a tonne in January from $456 a tonne in September. Chinese suppliers are quoting a price of $612 a tonne, up from $498 a tonne in September. Caustic soda prices have jumped between 35 and 45 per cent between April and December.

One of two major reasons for