
Udeesha Tomar
AVP - Strategy and Solutions
Leading procurement research solutions across chemicals, materials, and food & beverages, with expertise in price forecasting and market analytics.
During Q1’26, the Asian oxygen market followed a stable-to-firm trend supported by higher industrial activity and elevated utility costs. Rising electricity prices significantly impacted production economics, as oxygen manufacturing through air separation units remained highly energy intensive. Demand improved after the Lunar New Year from steel and metal-processing industries, while stronger manufacturing activity supported industrial gas consumption across regional markets. Global crude steel production remained near 166.1 million tonnes from January to March, with China maintaining dominance in global steel output, supporting oxygen demand from blast furnaces and electric arc furnaces. Supply-side costs also increased due to higher freight and insurance expenses linked to disruptions near the Strait of Hormuz, which affected the transportation of cryogenic gases and industrial equipment across Asian trade routes. However, cautious purchasing from downstream industries and moderate construction activity limited sharper price increases during the quarter.
Analyst Insight
According to Procurement Resource, oxygen prices are expected to remain firm as industrial demand and electricity costs continue supporting the market, while geopolitical tensions and logistics volatility may keep operational expenses elevated.
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In 2025, oxygen prices in many low- and middle-income regions moved in different directions. In East Africa, large new investments under the East African Program on Oxygen Access (EAPOA) started to influence the market. New liquid oxygen plants in Kenya and Tanzania expanded production, and financing tools helped suppliers stabilise their operating costs.
As these projects progressed, suppliers gained confidence to improve distribution networks and keep prices closer to agreed ceilings. Because of this, price pressure in East Africa slowly eased through the year, and markets began shifting from emergency-driven costs toward more predictable, lower pricing supported by growing regional production.
At the same time, some areas outside East Africa continued to face challenges. In parts of Asia, many COVID-era oxygen plants fell into disrepair, forcing hospitals to rely again on external cylinder suppliers. This pushed prices upward in several local markets. In addition, global reports highlighted that most countries still lacked the oxygen supply needed, which kept demand high and made prices sensitive to supply disruptions. As countries worked to improve storage, pipelines, and maintenance systems, the market remained uneven, with stable prices in some places and continued strain in others.
Oxygen is a colorless, odourless and tasteless gas. Life will exist there. Although it is noncombustible, combustible elements will be burned with its active help. Some substances that won't burn in the air will ignite when exposed to oxygen. Materials that burn in air will burn in oxygen more forcefully.
It is transported at pressures of 2000 psig or higher because it is a non-liquid gas. No flame can ignite pure oxygen. The canisters may violently burst and shoot into the air when exposed to fire or extreme heat for an extended period of time. Inhalation, resuscitation, and the creation of synthesis gas from coal all make use of oxygen.
O2
Cutting of metals, Sewage treatment, Oxidising agent in missiles, Production of glass products
Molecular, oxygen
The Linde Group, Air Liquide, Praxair Technology, Inc., TAIYO NIPPON SANSO, Airgas, Inc
CurrencyUS$ (Data can also be provided in local currency)
Supplier Database AvailabilityYes
Customization ScopeThe report can be customized as per the requirements of the customer
Post-Sale Analyst Support360-degree analyst support after report delivery
Note: Our supplier search experts can assist your procurement teams in compiling and validating a list of suppliers indicating they have products, services, and capabilities that meet your company's needs.
In general, this method of producing oxygen involves the cryogenic distillation of air. It uses a distillation column under the right circumstances. As a byproduct, it also creates nitrogen. High pressure causes it to create oxygen.

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