Benzene prices went down in Europe,in the week ending January 5,due to lower downstream product prices and insipid market sentiments in the US.

In the initial days of last week,spot prices were at US$1525/ton,slightly down as compared to the same period of its previous week.Prices were spotted in the range of US$1520-1530/ton FOB Rotterdam.

Contract prices for January were settled at US$1529/ton FOB NWE(€1153/ton)higher by€69/ton as compared to the previous month.According to the market sources,increase in the contract prices was expected due to higher spot prices of Benzene in Europe,US and Asia.

Some producers were heard saying that demand is sluggish in Europe but they expect market conditions this month to be better than the previous month.