In Europe, Oxea said it will increase list and off-list prices effective Jan. 1 or as contracts allow on two types of carboxylic acids. The prices will rise by 40 (U.S. $59) per metric ton for 2-ethylhexanoic acid and by 20 per metric ton for butyric acids.

Carboxylic acids are chemical intermediates in a variety of applications, including production of lubricants and drying agents for coatings and paints. Also used in production of lubricants, butyric acids find other applications in manufacturing of polymer stabilizers, drying agents, and flavors and fragrances.

Oxea also announced it would increase list and off-list prices for polyalcohols effective Jan. 1 or as contracts allow. The price hikes are by 5 cents per pound in the Americas, and by $100 per metric ton in Asia. The polyalcohols include neopentylgycol and trimethylolpropane, which are widely used in solvent-free coatings as well as in the production of polyurethanes, alkyd resins and synthetic lubricants.

Meanwhile, Midland, Mich.-based Dow on Dec. 8 said it would raise list and off-list prices by 3 to 5 cents per pound on a number of its oxygenated solvents in North America effective Jan. 1, or as contracts allow.

While we are mindful of the impact these higher prices will have on our customers, these price increases are necessary for us to obtain the raw materials required for us to reliably supply our customers, said Market Bassett, Dows global business director, oxygenated solvents.