Bridging the gap: the impact of cheap propane on chemical value chains

The last several years have proven to be quite volatile for oil markets, as the industry has had to navigate the impacts of COVID and a period of significant geopolitical tensions. One key characteristic of the refining and petrochemical industry in the rebound from the pandemic has been sharply elevated octane prices. While many factors influence octane pricing, shifting dynamics in petrochemical feedstock supply and investments have contributed to a large portion of the recent spike.