Argus Media Launches European Propylene Price Indexes

LONDON (Oct. 8, 2026) — Global energy and commodity price reporting agency Argus Media has launched new monthly price indexes for the domestic European ethylene and propylene markets, bringing greater transparency to these important chemical markets.

The new monthly Argus Media northwest Europe ethylene and Argus Media northwest Europe propylene indexes provide independent price references for the industry and were developed through discussions with market participants. Initially useful as a point of reference and to aid traditional monthly contract price (MCP) negotiations, the prices are designed to be suitable for adoption as an alternative to or in combination with existing benchmarks in pricing mechanisms.

The indexes are calculated using a transparent and publicly available (LINK) methodology. Each is based on a weighted combination of spot ethylene or propylene prices and spot cracker feedstock prices for naphtha, propane and butane, all assessed by Argus Media.

European ethylene and propylene MCPs have served as benchmarks for long-term contract pricing for decades. They are set through independent negotiations between industry participants, historically providing a baseline against which companies could negotiate their own contract prices, including discounts to the MCPs. But participation in these negotiations has declined, underscoring the need for innovative new pricing tools.

Beyond the ethylene and propylene markets, MCPs are also key benchmarks for many downstream value chains, including polymers and other chemical products. As a result, they ultimately influence the prices of a wide range of industrial and consumer goods.

“We are pleased to have worked closely with chemical market participants to develop a fresh approach to pricing,” said Argus Media chairman and Chief Executive Adrian Binks. “Our new indexes respond to reduced participation in the monthly contract price process and offer a fresh transparency which addresses a growing disconnect between contract prices and observed market values. Argus is committed to providing accurate, reliable and independent price assessments that bring clarity to complex and often opaque markets.”

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