ADNOC Raises January Sulphur Price by $25/t
Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) has increased its January sulphur price, signalling continued strength in the global sulphur market. The move adds fresh cost pressure on fertilizer producers that rely heavily on sulphur as a key raw material.
ADNOC has set the January official selling price (OSP) for sulphur at $520 per tonne FOB Ruwais. This represents a $25 per tonne increase compared with the December price of $495/t. Market participants see the hike as a reflection of firm demand and limited spot availability.
ADNOC Sulphur Prices January and India CFR Levels
The rise in the ADNOC sulphur price for January has directly impacted delivered costs to key importing markets. Sulphur prices delivered to India are currently assessed at $536–538 per tonne CFR.
These assessments assume freight rates of $16–18 per tonne for parcel sizes ranging between 40,000 and 45,000 tonnes. India remains one of the largest global importers of sulphur, mainly due to its large phosphatic fertilizer and chemical manufacturing base.
Impact of Sulphur Prices on Fertilizer Production Costs
Higher sulphur prices are increasing raw material costs for fertilizer producers worldwide. Sulphur is a critical input in the production of phosphoric acid, which is used to manufacture DAP, MAP, and NPK fertilizers. It is also a key feedstock for ammonium sulphate production.
As sulphur prices rise, fertilizer manufacturers may face margin pressure, especially if finished fertilizer prices do not move up at the same pace. This trend could influence fertilizer pricing strategies in upcoming tender seasons.
Global Sulphur Market Outlook
The latest ADNOC sulphur prices January hike suggests that suppliers remain confident about demand in early 2026. Market participants are closely watching developments in fertilizer demand, freight rates, and production outages at major sulphur-producing hubs.
If supply tightness continues, sulphur prices are likely to remain firm, keeping fertilizer raw material costs elevated in the near term.
