Material Insights · Understanding the Material World

Linear alkylbenzene: Relationships

Every element and industry that Linear alkylbenzene is linked to, and how. Each pair has its own card explaining the relationships between the two.

  • Surfactants: Linear alkylbenzene exists almost only to be sulphonated into LAS, one of the largest surfactants, so LAB demand is laundry detergent demand. LAB was 60 to 70% of the cost of making LAS acid in 2026, which ties detergent costs to benzene and Gulf supply; India imported over 40% of its LAB in 2022-23 and since June 2025 taxes imports from Iran and Qatar. (researched)
  • Crude oil: Crude oil is a raw material for linear alkylbenzene; their prices have moved together.
  • Benzene: Their prices have moved together.
  • Fatty alcohols: Their prices have moved together.
  • Household and personal care: Household and personal care depends on linear alkylbenzene.
  • Refining and reforming: Their prices have moved together.