Gujarat monsoon is the price signal
Gujarat produces 80%+ of Indian castor. June–September monsoon read drives the H2 price strip. Weak monsoon years see 20–30% spot moves; brands should buy forward at first signs of deficit rainfall.
§ KEY TAKEAWAYS
- 01Track Gujarat monsoon weekly during June–September
- 02Derivatives lag crude castor on price moves by 2–4 weeks
- 03Sebacic acid demand from EV battery sector now drives co-product economics
- 04Long-term offtake contracts buffer monsoon volatility
§ GLOSSARY
Technical jargon, acronyms and scientific terms used in this file — decoded.
- Castor oil
- Triglyceride of ricinoleic acid; ~90% of the oil is ricinoleic, making castor unique among vegetable oils.
- 12-HSA
- 12-Hydroxystearic acid — hydrogenated castor derivative used in lipstick, grease and cosmetic rheology modifiers.
- Sebacic acid
- Dicarboxylic acid derived from castor; key feedstock for nylon-6,10 and lubricant esters.
- Ricinoleate ester
- Castor-derived emollient family widely used in lip products and hair conditioners.
- Castor cake
- By-product after oil extraction; used as organic fertiliser.