Linear alkylbenzene: Feedstocks
Why LAB moves with jet fuel and benzene
What this tab covers What it is made from and what it feeds: the raw materials and energy per tonne with their share of cost (linked to the commodity table), who is low-cost and why, and the chemicals made from it.LAB is about 70% paraffin-derived chain and 30% benzene by weight. Kerosene-based n-paraffins and benzene make up most of the cost, so LAB tracks jet fuel and benzene prices. Integrated refiners with Molex units and aromatics plants (Reliance, IOC, Moeve, Farabi with Saudi Aramco feed) are lowest cost; non-integrated plants buy paraffins and benzene at market prices.
Inputs per tonne
| Input | Quantity per tonne | Role | Share of cost | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oil Crude oil | about 0.75 t n-paraffins per t LAB, from about 3-4 t kerosene with the rest returned (indicative) | linear alkyl chain | about 50% of cash cost (indicative) | indicative |
| Benzene (chemical tile: benzene) | about 0.34 t per t LAB | aromatic ring | about 25-30% (indicative) | stoichiometry (indicative) |
| Gas Natural gas | not published | dehydrogenation heat; hydrotreating | about 5-10% (indicative) | indicative |
Who is low-cost, and why
Middle East producers with cheap kerosene and benzene, and integrated Indian refiners, are lowest cost. In Aug 2026 FOB prices ranged from about $1,257/t in China to $1,704/t in India, reflecting India's deficit and duties.
Raw materials on the commodity table
Oil Crude oilWhat it is made into
| Product | Note |
|---|---|
| Srf Surfactants | about 98% of LAB becomes LAS |
| Bz Benzene | feedstock (upstream) |