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Insecticides (India) Launches Insecticide ‘Granuvia’

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Insecticides (India) Limited introduced Granuvia, a new granular insecticide developed for effective management of stem borer and brown plant hopper (BPH) in paddy cultivation. The company stated that the product is designed for application 30–35 days after transplanting and offers long-duration control against brown plant hopper while also protecting rice crops from stem borer attacks during critical growth stages.

Advanced Formulation Developed by Corteva Agriscience

Granuvia contains Triflumezopyrim 0.45% plus Chlorantraniliprole 0.50% W/W GR as its active ingredients. The insecticide has been developed by Corteva Agriscience. The product combines dual-action control of brown plant hopper and stem borer in an easy-to-apply granular formulation. Farmers can broadcast the product after mixing it with sand or urea, aligning with commonly followed field practices in rice cultivation.

Rising Pest Pressure Increasing Need for Effective Solutions

The company highlighted that brown plant hopper infestations severely affected major paddy-growing regions across several states last year, forcing farmers to undertake repeated pest management interventions. Insecticides (India) Limited noted that severe BPH attacks can lead to crop yield losses ranging from 20% to 60%. In addition, stem borer infestation, particularly dead heart symptoms, continues to remain a major challenge for rice farmers and can cause significant crop damage if not managed effectively.

Company Leadership Highlights Product Benefits

Rajesh Kumar Aggarwal, Managing Director of Insecticides (India) Limited, said farmers are increasingly facing higher pest pressure along with changing climatic conditions. He added that these challenges are driving demand for pest control solutions that are easy to apply and capable of providing longer-lasting protection. According to Aggarwal, Granuvia has been developed to deliver sustained management of key paddy pests while supporting crop health and productivity. Dushyant Sood, Chief Marketing Officer of the company, stated that the product has been exclusively supplied to Insecticides (India) Limited by Corteva Agriscience under the Granuvia brand name. He explained that the insecticide offers rice farmers a solution with a different mode of action for effective management of brown plant hopper and stem borer. Furthermore, he noted that the product’s granular formulation and field performance are expected to strengthen pest management practices in paddy farming.

Granular Formulation Designed for Ease of Application

Manoj Singh Bhandari, GM and Crop Manager – Paddy, said the granular formulation has been specifically designed to simplify field application and reduce the need for repeated spraying against brown plant hopper infestations. He also stated that farmers are increasingly looking for solutions that fit into existing farming practices while reducing labour requirements and application costs. According to Bhandari, Granuvia can help improve tillering, crop vigour, and overall crop stand under pest pressure conditions.

Long-Duration Protection for Rice Crops

The company said Granuvia provides up to sixty days of control against brown plant hopper and up to two weeks of protection against stem borer-related dead heart symptoms. As reported by global-agriculture.com, in addition, field demonstrations of the product were conducted across major paddy-growing regions to evaluate and showcase its performance under actual farming conditions. With the launch of Granuvia, Insecticides (India) Limited aims to strengthen its crop protection portfolio while supporting rice farmers with advanced and practical pest management solutions.

IVL Reports Strong EBITDA Growth in 1Q26

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Indorama Ventures Public Company Limited (IVL), a global sustainable chemicals producer reported a strong financial performance for the first quarter of 2026, marking a significant recovery from the industry downturn experienced between 2023 and 2025. The company stated that the improved results reflect disciplined execution of its IVL 2.0 transformation strategy alongside strengthening global chemical market conditions. During 1Q26, consolidated revenue increased 7% quarter-on-quarter (QoQ) to THB 109.3 billion, while reported EBITDA surged 89% QoQ to THB 8.0 billion. The strong sequential growth was supported by higher sales volumes, improved margins, and a favorable business portfolio mix, despite currency-related headwinds.

“Radical Clarity” Reporting Enhances Transparency

Indorama Ventures also introduced its new “Radical Clarity” reporting philosophy, which incorporates inventory fluctuations as a core part of business performance reporting. According to the company, this approach provides investors and stakeholders with a more transparent and realistic assessment of operational performance. The quarter’s strong operational performance generated THB 8.8 billion in operating cash flow, with an EBITDA conversion rate of 109%. At the same time, proactive working capital management helped reduce working capital by THB 3.2 billion despite increased sales volumes and rising crude oil prices. As a result, the company improved its net debt-to-equity ratio to 1.73x from 1.83x in the previous quarter.

CEO Highlights Strategic Recovery Momentum

Aloke Lohia, Group CEO of Indorama Ventures, described 1Q26 as a major turning point for the company. He stated that the recovery has been driven by both improving market conditions and the deliberate execution of the IVL 2.0 strategy. Lohia added that through disciplined operations and the “Radical Clarity” framework, the company has entered the industry upcycle in a much stronger position. He noted that Indorama Ventures expects continued sequential earnings improvement, accelerated deleveraging toward its target of 3x Net Debt/EBITDA, and steady progress toward its 2028 strategic goals.

Combined PET Segment Leads Earnings Growth

The Combined PET (CPET) segment emerged as the strongest performer during the quarter. EBITDA for the segment surged 134% QoQ to THB 5.5 billion, driven by normalized production volumes following planned maintenance turnarounds, improved industry spreads, and stronger cost advantages from the company’s shale-to-PET integration operations in the Americas.

Packaging Business Maintains Stable Growth

The company’s Indovida packaging segment continued to demonstrate resilience and growth momentum. The segment reported EBITDA of THB 743 million, reflecting a 10% QoQ increase supported by improving demand across key growth markets. In addition, the proposed merger with EPL Limited is expected to strengthen the segment further and create a major global packaging federation focused on long-term expansion.

Surfactants Segment Faces Temporary Market Pressures

The Indovinya surfactants business recorded EBITDA of THB 1.7 billion, representing a 7% QoQ decline. The decline was primarily attributed to challenging market conditions in South America and the impact of a winter freeze event in the United States. However, the company believes the segment is positioned for a structural turnaround as global supply chain disruptions are expected to reduce the impact of low-cost Asian imports in key markets.

Fibers Business Improves Through Disciplined Production

The Fibers segment delivered a 70% QoQ increase in EBITDA to THB 879 million. According to the company, the improvement resulted from disciplined production management strategies designed to align supply with market demand. The business also prioritized inventory control and cash flow management amid softer conditions in mobility and lifestyle markets.

Industry Conditions Support Positive Outlook

Indorama Ventures stated that its performance continues to benefit from four major competitive strengths: its global local-for-local operating model, shale-to-PET integration capabilities, diversified end-market exposure, and improved Sales & Operations Execution (S&OE) processes. These advantages, combined with the IVL 2.0 transformation strategy, have strengthened the company’s ability to capture higher import parity pricing and improve operational cash flow. At the same time, the broader industry environment is showing signs of structural improvement. Slower PET capacity additions, rationalization across the ethylene value chain, and ongoing geopolitical disruptions are contributing to a more balanced and disciplined global supply environment.

Positive Momentum Expected to Continue

As per the press release, Indorama Ventures expects strong momentum to continue into the second quarter of 2026. Management anticipates additional earnings improvement supported by favorable pricing trends, higher utilization of advantaged assets, and continued margin expansion. The developments are expected to accelerate the company’s progress toward its long-term strategic, operational, and financial objectives.

Atul Launches Advanced Crop Protection Solutions for Sustainable Farming

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Atul Ltd. introduced three proprietary crop protection products — Mylonis, Salix Gold, and Tikadis — aimed at improving crop productivity and supporting sustainable farming practices across India. The newly launched portfolio includes a seed treatment solution for oilseeds and soybean, an advanced fungicide formulation for rice, and a premium technical-grade herbicide designed for rice cultivation. Together, these products address critical challenges in disease management, pest control, and weed management, all of which significantly impact crop yields and farmer profitability.

Mylonis Delivers Comprehensive Disease Protection for Rice

Mylonis is a patented fungicide formulation that combines Azoxystrobin, Isoprothiolane, and Mancozeb to provide broad-spectrum disease control in rice crops. The product is specifically designed to combat major rice diseases, including sheath blight, blast — even across multiple strains — and grain discoloration. In addition to disease suppression, Mylonis improves overall plant health, enhances grain quality, and supports effective resistance management strategies. As a result, the solution offers rice farmers across India a reliable option for improving crop performance and protecting yields.

Salix Gold Enhances Precision Weed Management

Salix Gold showcases Atul’s advanced manufacturing capabilities in high-purity technical-grade production. Based on 2,4-D sodium salt water-dispersible granules technology, the herbicide provides effective post-emergence weed control in rice fields. The formulation efficiently targets broadleaf weeds and sedges, helping farmers improve weed management and maintain healthier crop growth. Although the product is currently focused on the Indian market, Atul is also exploring commercial opportunities in selected international regions.

Tikadis Strengthens Early Crop Protection

Tikadis is a patented seed treatment formulation developed for groundnut and soybean cultivation. The product combines Azoxystrobin, Carbendazim, and Thiamethoxam to deliver early-stage protection against soil-borne pests and pathogens. Field trials have shown that Tikadis supports stronger seed germination, enhances root nodule development for improved plant vigour, and promotes uniform pod formation. By providing protection from the initial stages of crop growth, the solution helps farmers improve crop establishment and overall productivity.

Supporting Sustainable and Productive Agriculture

As per the press release, with the launch of Mylonis, Salix Gold, and Tikadis, Atul continues to strengthen its crop protection portfolio while supporting modern, sustainable agricultural practices. The new solutions aim to help Indian farmers improve productivity, reduce crop losses, and achieve better economic returns through advanced agricultural technologies.

AmpereHour Energy and IndiGrid Launch Standalone BESS Project in Gujarat

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AmpereHour Energy and IndiGrid successfully commissioned a 180 MW / 360 MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at the Gujarat Energy Transmission Corporation (GETCO) substation in Gujarat. With Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Limited (GUVNL) serving as the off-taker, the facility has become India’s largest standalone utility-scale BESS installation and ranks among the largest battery energy storage projects in Asia.

Strengthening Gujarat’s Renewable Energy Ecosystem

The commissioning of the project marks a major step forward for Gujarat’s renewable energy infrastructure. In recent years, the state has emerged as a leader in clean energy development, launching nearly 870 MW of battery storage capacity projects across the region. Within this growing ecosystem, the IndiGrid-AmpereHour project stands out as a flagship standalone storage initiative. The project demonstrates how advanced battery storage technology can stabilize the power grid, reduce renewable energy curtailment, and support round-the-clock clean energy availability.

Scaling from Delhi to One of Asia’s Largest BESS Facilities

Developing one of Asia’s largest standalone BESS projects required AmpereHour Energy to scale its expertise from its earlier 40 MWh Delhi project to a significantly larger 360 MWh installation. To meet GUVNL’s stringent grid standards, AmpereHour’s research and engineering teams carried out advanced simulation studies across the entire electrical infrastructure — from the 220 kV grid connection to the DC systems. As a result, the project achieved high Round Trip Efficiency (RTE) and improved usable energy output. The company also deployed its proprietary ELINA Energy Management System (EMS) and AH Suite software platform to manage massive data streams and coordinate execution across multiple contractors efficiently. In addition, AmpereHour implemented extensive quality audits, streamlined complex international logistics, and followed its “First Time Right” execution strategy, enabling a seamless one-go commissioning process.

AmpereHour Highlights Flexible Integration Architecture

Rahul Shelke, Co-Founder and Managing Director of AmpereHour Energy, described the project as a defining moment for India’s energy sector. He stated that the company’s Flexible Integration architecture played a critical role in enabling the large-scale deployment by delivering an intelligent and adaptable technology layer. According to Shelke, the solution helped IndiGrid implement a system that is both technically advanced and commercially optimized. He further added that as Gujarat continues to expand its battery storage footprint, AmpereHour aims to support critical infrastructure projects through its advanced energy storage technologies.

IndiGrid Sets New Benchmark in Utility-Scale Storage

As the project developer, IndiGrid has established a new benchmark for utility-scale battery storage infrastructure in India. The BESS facility will store excess renewable energy generated during off-peak periods and discharge it during peak demand hours. Consequently, the system will enhance grid resilience, improve energy reliability, and support better integration of renewable power into the grid. Harsh Shah, Managing Director of IndiGrid, said the successful commissioning of the 180 MW / 360 MWh BESS project marks a major milestone in India’s evolving energy infrastructure. As per the press release, he also acknowledged AmpereHour’s contribution in designing, integrating, and energizing the complex battery storage system at scale. Furthermore, Shah emphasized that the project reinforces IndiGrid’s commitment to supporting India’s target of achieving 500 GW of non-fossil fuel energy capacity by 2030.

Arkema Marks Twenty Years of Innovation and Sustainable Growth

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Arkema is celebrating twenty years of transformation and innovation since its creation on May 18, 2006, following its listing on the Paris Stock Exchange. Founded with a clear ambition to become an independent global leader in Specialty Materials, the company has evolved into one of the world’s leading specialty chemicals groups. Over the past two decades, Arkema has consistently focused on innovation, sustainable growth, and strategic transformation while building a strong international presence.

Strategic Transformation Drives Long-Term Growth

From its origins as a predominantly European company focused on commodity chemical products, Arkema has transformed itself into a global Specialty Materials powerhouse. Today, Specialty Chemicals account for approximately 85% of the company’s sales, compared with just 36% at the time of its creation. This transformation has been driven by continuous innovation, targeted investments, active portfolio management, and nearly 30 strategic acquisitions. Key acquisitions include Bostik, Coatex, Sartomer, Den Braven, Ashland’s adhesives business, and PIAM.

At the same time, Arkema strengthened its industrial footprint by launching major production units across North America and Asia. Important industrial platforms were established in Beaumont, Calvert City, Changshu, Kerteh, and Singapore, enabling the company to better serve global customers and improve operational resilience. As a result, Arkema now generates nearly one-third of its sales from each of the world’s major regions, reflecting its balanced and diversified global presence.

Innovation and People at the Core of Success

According to Thierry Le Hénaff, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Arkema since the company’s creation, the Group’s success has been built on bold strategic decisions, continuous reinvention, and the commitment of its employees. He stated that Arkema’s transformation journey exceeded expectations and was made possible through the dedication of its teams, the strength of its technology portfolio, and the trust of customers, partners, and stakeholders. Le Hénaff also emphasized that Arkema’s ability to adapt its organizational structures and business portfolio has allowed the company to address evolving customer needs and modern societal challenges effectively.

Sustainable Growth and Strong Shareholder Value Creation

Over the past twenty years, Arkema has also delivered significant value creation for shareholders while maintaining a strong financial structure and achieving leading financial and non-financial performance. Employees have played an important role in this growth journey and now collectively hold nearly 10% of the company’s share capital. Despite challenging economic and geopolitical conditions affecting the global chemical industry, Arkema’s share performance has significantly outperformed both the CAC 40 index and many industry peers. Over the twenty-year period, the company’s Total Shareholder Return (TSR) has increased by approximately 270%.

Arkema Looks Ahead to the Next Phase of Growth

As it enters its next chapter, Arkema continues to focus on innovation, sustainability, and advanced materials solutions. As per the press release, the company believes that today’s industrial, environmental, and technological challenges also create major opportunities for businesses capable of adapting and innovating. With a strong global foundation and a future-focused strategy, Arkema aims to continue driving sustainable growth and delivering value to customers, shareholders, and society.

OXEA and Air Liquide Extend Strategic Partnership

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OXEA, a global producer of Oxo Intermediates and Oxo Performance Chemicals, and Air Liquide have renewed their long-standing partnership through a twelve-year contract extension for the supply of synthesis gas and hydrogen at the OXEA Industrial Park Ruhrchemie Oberhausen in Germany. The renewed agreement strengthens supply reliability for OXEA’s global customer base while supporting the company’s strategic focus on expanding its Oxo Intermediates portfolio and accelerating growth in its Oxo Performance Chemicals business. As part of the extension, Air Liquide will invest more than €20 million to modernize its existing Partial Oxidation (POX) unit at Oberhausen, ensuring long-term operational reliability at its largest production hub in Germany.

Investments to Enhance Supply Stability and Production Efficiency

The Oberhausen Industrial Park has served as a major center for oxo chemistry for decades and remains one of OXEA’s most integrated production sites. Under the renewed agreement, Air Liquide will make targeted investments to further strengthen the reliability and stability of synthesis gas and hydrogen supply. The company’s large-scale POX plant currently produces around 340,000 tonnes of syngas and hydrogen annually. The production capability provides a strong operational foundation for optimizing OXEA’s core intermediates manufacturing while enabling expansion into high-value downstream applications across industries such as coatings, lubricants, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.

Sustainability and Circular Economy at the Core

The partnership also highlights the companies’ shared commitment to sustainability and circular economy practices. By integrating a carbon capture and liquefaction facility with the POX unit, Air Liquide has reduced CO₂ emissions at the site by 50% since 2021. In addition, the captured carbon dioxide is repurposed for use in the food and beverage industry, supporting resource efficiency and sustainable industrial operations.

OXEA Emphasizes Reliability and Long-Term Growth

Albrecht Schwerin, Chief Operating Officer at OXEA, said the renewed agreement highlights the importance of long-term industrial partnerships in ensuring stable and efficient production processes. He added that OXEA values its close collaboration with Air Liquide, which continues to support high standards of safety, operational efficiency, and innovation at the Oberhausen site. Meanwhile, Jorge Castro Roldan, Vice President of Global Procurement at OXEA, stated that the contract extension strengthens the resilience of the company’s core intermediates platform and supports the continued expansion of its Oxo Performance Chemicals portfolio. According to Roldan, securing a more robust supply of critical feedstocks through strategic investments will improve asset utilization, support downstream value creation, and enhance OXEA’s ability to deliver long-term value to customers worldwide.

Air Liquide Reinforces Commitment to Oberhausen Hub

Air Liquide has been associated with OXEA’s Industrial Park Ruhrchemie in Oberhausen since the late 1960s, producing oxygen, nitrogen, and argon at the site. Sebastian Jureczek, Managing Director of Air Liquide in Germany, said the company is proud to continue its long-standing collaboration with OXEA. He noted that since 2010, Air Liquide has operated the Partial Oxidation plant in Oberhausen to produce synthesis gas and hydrogen. Furthermore, he emphasized that the €20 million investment will help maintain high standards of safety and supply reliability while reinforcing Oberhausen’s role as a high-performance industrial hub driven by innovation and sustainable solutions. As per the press release, the twelve-year contract extension reflects the shared commitment of both companies to operational excellence, long-term reliability, and sustainable industrial development at one of Germany’s most important chemical production sites.

Carbios Announces Leadership Transition

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Carbios announced a significant evolution in its governance structure with the appointment of Benoît Grenot as Chief Executive Officer. The transition will officially take effect on June 1, 2026. The announcement follows the decision of Vincent Kamel, to retire from his role as Chief Executive Officer. He will step down from the position effective May 31, 2026.

Board Highlights Continuity and Strategic Stability

Isabelle Parize, Chair of the Board of Directors of Carbios, expressed appreciation for Vincent Kamel’s contribution to the company’s development. She stated that under Kamel’s leadership, Carbios achieved several important milestones despite operating in a challenging business environment. These accomplishments include the signing of a strategic partnership with Wankai New Materials, notable progress in the Longlaville plant construction project, and disciplined management of the company’s operating expenses.

Parize emphasized that the appointment of Benoît Grenot reflects the Board’s commitment to ensuring continuity, stability, and long-term strategic execution. She also noted that Grenot’s international expertise, particularly his experience in China, along with his leadership capabilities, will support the company’s next phase of growth.

Vincent Kamel Expresses Confidence in Successor

Outgoing CEO Vincent Kamel said he was proud of the progress achieved alongside the Board of Directors and company teams during his tenure. He also thanked employees and leadership teams for their commitment and expressed full confidence in Benoît Grenot’s ability to successfully lead the company through its next stage of development.

Benoît Grenot to Lead Next Growth Phase

As per the press release, incoming CEO Benoît Grenot said he was honoured by the trust placed in him by the Board of Directors. Grenot added that he intends to build on the foundation already established while ensuring that all teams remain focused on Carbios’ strategic priorities. In addition, he highlighted the importance of commitment, collaboration, and sustainable performance as the company advances its long-term objectives.

PRC Europe 2026 to Spotlight SAF Scale-Up and Energy Transition Challenges

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Europe has introduced ambitious Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) targets. However, the real challenge now lies in feedstock availability, technology readiness, and the ability of existing assets to process new fuel streams at scale. With ReFuelEU Aviation officially in force, refiners and fuel producers must now make these decisions as part of their daily operations.

Industry Leaders to Address Energy Transition at PRC Europe 2026

These critical issues will take centre stage at PRC Europe 2026, scheduled for 18–19 May in Amsterdam. The event will feature a leaders panel on future mobility innovations alongside a dedicated roundtable on sustainable aviation fuels.

The discussions will focus on industrial projects and real-world case studies that are shaping the downstream energy transition. In particular, experts will examine how companies are adapting existing infrastructure while advancing cleaner fuel technologies.

Experts to Share Insights on SAF and New Energy Pathways

The speaker lineup includes industry leaders from Alleima, NEUMAN & ESSER, Kent and Fraunhofer UMSICHT. They will join specialists from INA, Chevron Lummus Global and Aramco Overseas.

In addition, representatives from NextChem, VARO, Preem, Repsol and Synhelion will present their approaches to commercial deployment and emerging energy pathways.

Focus Areas Include SAF Coprocessing and E-Fuels

As per Press Release, the sessions will address several pressing industry concerns, including the conversion of fossil-based assets into bio-based production facilities, material limitations, and the adaptation of infrastructure to meet new processing requirements.

Furthermore, the agenda will explore topics such as e-methanol, SAF coprocessing, waste-to-feedstock pathways, and strategies to scale e-products beyond the pilot stage.

Registration Details

Participants can register for PRC Europe 2026 here: PRC Europe 2026 Registration

India Installs First “Liquid Tree” to Combat Urban Pollution

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A New Step Towards Sustainable Cities

India has introduced its first-ever “Liquid Tree” initiative, marking a significant move in the fight against urban air pollution. The innovative installation uses microalgae technology to absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, functioning as a compact alternative to traditional trees in densely populated urban areas.

Unlike conventional trees, Liquid Trees require far less space. Therefore, experts believe they can become highly effective in cities where green cover is limited due to rapid urbanisation.

How the Liquid Tree Works

The Liquid Tree system contains water filled with microalgae that perform photosynthesis. As a result, the algae absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and generate oxygen. In addition, the system helps purify surrounding air and supports efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Authorities and environmental experts see this technology as an innovative solution for heavily polluted urban zones where planting large numbers of trees may not always be possible.

A Sustainable Urban Innovation

The project highlights India’s growing focus on climate-friendly and sustainable technologies. Moreover, the installation demonstrates how scientific innovation can support environmental conservation in modern cities.

As per Rising India Updates, the Liquid Tree initiative represents a breakthrough in combining biotechnology with urban infrastructure to address rising pollution levels.

Why the Initiative Matters

Air pollution continues to remain one of the biggest environmental challenges in Indian cities. Consequently, initiatives like the Liquid Tree can contribute to cleaner air while also spreading awareness about sustainable living.

Environmentalists believe such technologies could complement traditional tree plantations rather than replace them. Furthermore, if implemented on a larger scale, Liquid Trees may help improve air quality in crowded public spaces, business districts, and transport hubs.

Looking Ahead

With increasing concerns over climate change and urban pollution, India’s first Liquid Tree project could pave the way for similar eco-friendly innovations across the country. In the coming years, experts expect more cities to explore advanced green technologies to create healthier and more sustainable urban environments.

Platinum Supply Deficits Intensify Amid Rising Geopolitical Risks

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The global platinum market continues to face mounting pressure as structural supply deficits tighten availability and reshape investor sentiment toward platinum group metals (PGMs). Analysts believe the imbalance between supply and demand is no longer temporary, but part of a deeper long-term trend driven by declining mine production, geopolitical instability, and shrinking above-ground inventories. 

South African Output Declines Further

South Africa, which accounts for nearly 70% of global platinum production, has experienced a steady decline in output over the past two decades. Production dropped from 5.3 million ounces in 2006 to approximately 3.9 million ounces in 2025, raising concerns about the industry’s ability to meet future demand. Mining companies continue to struggle with ageing infrastructure, underinvestment, and operational challenges, which have slowed new production growth. 

At the same time, Russia and Zimbabwe remain vulnerable to geopolitical and policy-related disruptions. Consequently, investors have started focusing on alternative PGM development projects located outside traditional supply regions.

Platinum Inventories Reach Critical Levels

Above-ground platinum inventories have also fallen sharply. Current stockpiles now represent less than five months of global demand coverage, leaving the market highly sensitive to additional supply disruptions. According to industry estimates, platinum deficits could persist through the remainder of the decade if new projects fail to enter production quickly enough. 

As per Crux Investor, structural supply shortages and geopolitical uncertainty have significantly increased investor interest in development-stage platinum assets outside South Africa and Russia.

Geopolitical Tensions Drive Safe-Haven Demand

Meanwhile, rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and uncertainty surrounding global trade policies have strengthened demand for precious metals. Investors increasingly view platinum and palladium as strategic assets during periods of economic instability.

In addition, concerns over inflation and currency volatility have encouraged institutional investors and central banks to diversify into hard assets. Analysts noted that these macroeconomic factors have amplified platinum’s recent price momentum. 

Electric Vehicle Transition Creates Market Debate

Despite the bullish supply outlook, the long-term demand trajectory for PGMs remains debated due to the global shift toward electric vehicles (EVs). Since battery electric vehicles do not require catalytic converters, some analysts expect platinum and palladium demand from the automotive sector to weaken over time. 

However, others argue that slower-than-expected EV adoption, combined with continued demand for hybrid vehicles and hydrogen fuel cell technologies, could sustain platinum consumption for years. Furthermore, recent policy adjustments in Europe regarding combustion engine timelines have provided additional support for platinum demand expectations. 

Investors Focus on New Supply Sources

As supply risks intensify, investors have started evaluating emerging mining projects in politically stable jurisdictions. Companies developing PGM assets in regions such as Brazil and North America are attracting greater attention as the industry searches for diversified supply chains.

Experts believe that future platinum prices will depend heavily on how quickly new production can offset declining output from mature mining regions. Until then, persistent supply deficits and geopolitical uncertainty are expected to keep the platinum market under pressure.

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