Syngas prices fluctuated throughout 2024, following the price movements of its key components - hydrogen and carbon monoxide. In Q1, prices rose steadily due to supply chain disruptions caused by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and piracy issues in major shipping routes.
During Q2, the market stabilized temporarily as petrochemical sectors struggled to find stable footing. However, increasing feedstock costs and growing demand for clean energy alternatives pushed prices higher by mid-year. The industrial sector's shift toward more sustainable practices contributed to this upward pressure.
Q3 saw mixed trends as weather disruptions impacted production. Heavy monsoons in Asia and Hurricane Francine in North America created logistical challenges, while weak demand for downstream products like acetic acid and methanol somewhat balanced the market.
By Q4, syngas experienced regional variations in pricing. Asian markets faced supply constraints, while European prices remained elevated due to slow renewable energy infrastructure development. North American prices showed more resilience despite station closures and supply disruptions in some areas. Overall, 2024 was characterized by the ongoing transition toward cleaner energy alternatives, with syngas playing a crucial role in this evolution despite pricing volatility.