Steven McGinn

Houston, 30 March (Argus) — A spot methanol barge traded at a four-year high of 135¢/USG fob ITC for April delivery today, up by 10¢/USG from last week. US Gulf coast barge prices have continued to climb since the beginning of March as war in the Mideast Gulf disrupts global commodity markets and upends trade flows. It is understood a producer bought the 10,000-bl barge today at 135¢/USG, the highest price since 8 March 2022. Bids followed the deal at 120¢/USG fob ITC against offers at 140¢/USG.

Houston, 16 March (Argus) — A spot methanol barge traded today in Houston, Texas, at the highest level since January 2025 as growing export demand for US volumes competes with domestic demand. The barge sold at 115¢/USG fob ITC, the highest level since 29 January 2025, Argus data show. The trade marks a 5¢/USG increase from sales at the end of last week, and 15¢/USG higher than the end of February.

The growth of sustainable alternatives to traditional methanol production sources likely will shape the market over the next several years, industry leaders said this week at the Argus Methanol Forum. 20 September Driven by low-carbon policies and regulations, the transportation sector — especially the marine fuels industry — could be a source of heightened demand.