Saudi Arabia Propylene Glycol Market Overview, 2030

The propylene glycol (PG) market in Saudi Arabia has grown substantially over the past few decades, driven by the country’s expanding petrochemical industry, industrialization, and regulatory frameworks. In the 1980s and 1990s, demand was largely for industrial-grade PG used in unsaturated polyester resins (UPR) for construction composites, coatings, and adhesives, supporting urban infrastructure development, industrial projects, and large-scale manufacturing facilities. By the early 2000s, transportation applications including automotive coolants, antifreeze, and airport/aviation de-icing fluids became important, particularly in northern regions and areas with seasonal temperature fluctuations; PG was preferred over ethylene glycol due to its lower toxicity, environmental compliance, and safety for public and industrial use. FCC-grade PG also found applications in food and beverage products as a humectant, carrier, and stabilizer in bakery, confectionery, and beverages, regulated under the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) and aligned with Gulf Standards Organization (GSO) regulations. During the 2010s, demand in pharmaceuticals and personal care increased, with USP-grade PG used as a solvent, excipient, and stabilizer in oral, topical, and injectable formulations, adhering to Saudi pharmacopeia and international standards. More recently, bio-based PG, derived from glycerin byproducts of biodiesel and other renewable feedstocks, has gained traction, particularly in high-value applications for pharmaceuticals, personal care, and food products, reflecting Saudi Arabia’s growing focus on sustainability and circular economy initiatives. Domestic production is concentrated in industrial hubs such as Jubail, Yanbu, and Dammam, while imports from the UAE, Europe, and Asia supplement high-purity or specialty-grade requirements. Overall, the Saudi PG market has evolved from a volume-driven industrial base to a diversified, high-value, and environmentally conscious structure.

According to the research report, ""Saudi Arabia propylene glycol Market Overview, 2030,"" published by Bonafide Research, the Saudi Arabia propylene glycol market is anticipated to add to more than USD 20 Million by 2025–30. The Saudi PG market is influenced by domestic production capacity, feedstock pricing, regulatory oversight, seasonal demand, and sustainability initiatives. Domestic production occurs primarily in Jubail, Yanbu, and Dammam, while imports from the UAE, Europe, China, and India supplement specialty-grade and high-purity requirements. Petroleum-based PG dominates the market due to cost-effectiveness, high-volume availability, and established logistics, serving industrial applications such as UPR for construction, automotive coolants, de-icing fluids, paints, and coatings. Feedstock costs, particularly propylene and propylene oxide (PO), are closely tied to crude oil and natural gas prices, impacting producer margins and contract pricing. Bio-based PG, derived from glycerin or other renewable feedstocks, is a smaller but growing segment, primarily serving pharmaceuticals, food, and personal care applications, driven by sustainability policies, environmental incentives, and regulatory compliance. Oversight by the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA), Ministry of Energy, and environmental authorities ensures product safety, labeling, and chemical handling compliance. Seasonal demand peaks during winter, particularly for automotive and aviation applications, requiring efficient inventory and logistics management. Distributors, formulators, and integrators play critical roles in supply continuity, technical support, and grade certification. Overall, Saudi Arabia’s PG market exhibits stable industrial demand, growth in high-value certified applications, sensitivity to feedstock pricing, and increasing emphasis on sustainability and regulatory compliance, making it a dynamic and competitive environment.

In Saudi Arabia, propylene glycol consumption spans construction, transportation, food and beverages, cosmetics and personal care, pharmaceuticals, and other specialty applications. Construction accounts for significant volume, with PG used in UPR resins for composites, coatings, adhesives, and laminates supporting infrastructure development, industrial projects, and renewable energy installations. Transportation applications include automotive coolant, antifreeze, and airport/aviation de-icing fluids, particularly in northern regions and logistics hubs; PG is preferred for its low toxicity and environmental compliance. Food and beverages utilize FCC-grade PG as a humectant, solvent, and carrier for bakery products, confectionery, beverages, and flavorings, regulated by SFDA and aligned with GSO standards. Cosmetics and personal care applications employ PG as a humectant and solvent in lotions, creams, haircare, and personal hygiene products, with increasing adoption of bio-based alternatives. Pharmaceutical-grade PG serves as a solvent, stabilizer, and excipient in oral, topical, and injectable formulations, adhering to Saudi pharmacopeia and international standards. Others include industrial lubricants, heat-transfer fluids, and chemical intermediates, contributing incremental volume and higher-margin niche applications. The diversified end-use profile ensures market resilience, balancing high-volume industrial applications with fast-growing, high-value, certified, and sustainability-focused sectors.

The Saudi PG market is dominated by petroleum-based PG, produced domestically in Jubail, Yanbu, and Dammam and supplemented by imports from the UAE, Europe, China, and India. Petroleum-derived PG provides cost-effective, high-volume supply for industrial applications including UPR, automotive coolants, de-icing fluids, paints, and coatings, benefiting from established petrochemical infrastructure and logistics networks. Bio-based PG, derived from glycerin byproducts of biodiesel and other renewable feedstocks, is a smaller but growing segment, primarily serving pharmaceuticals, food, and personal care applications where sustainability, regulatory compliance, and environmental credentials are critical. Bio-PG adoption is supported by Saudi Arabia’s green chemical initiatives, circular economy programs, and increasing consumer preference for sustainable products. Although bio-PG has higher production costs and limited domestic capacity relative to petroleum-based PG, it is gaining traction in high-value and certified applications. Circular economy practices, including glycol recycling in industrial and aviation applications, further enhance adoption. Petroleum-based PG is expected to maintain the majority of volume, while bio-based PG grows steadily in specialty and sustainability-driven segments.

In Saudi Arabia, propylene glycol is segmented into industrial-grade, pharmaceutical-grade, and other specialty grades, each serving distinct applications. Industrial-grade PG accounts for the largest volume, serving UPR for construction, coatings, adhesives, automotive coolants, and de-icing fluids; buyers prioritize cost efficiency, reliable supply, and bulk logistics. Pharmaceutical-grade PG, produced to Saudi pharmacopeia, USP, and international standards, represents a smaller but higher-value segment, used as a solvent, excipient, and stabilizer in oral, topical, and injectable formulations; regulatory compliance, batch traceability, and certification requirements restrict new entrants. The “others” category includes dipropylene and tripropylene glycols, industrial heat-transfer fluids, lubricants, and chemical intermediates, often commanding higher margins due to technical specifications. Grade segmentation impacts logistics, packaging, and supply chain planning: industrial PG is shipped in bulk, whereas pharmaceutical and specialty grades are delivered in drums or IBCs. While industrial-grade PG dominates volume, pharmaceutical and specialty grades are growing faster in revenue, reflecting Saudi Arabia’s demand for high-purity, certified, and sustainability-aligned products.

Considered in this report
• Historic Year: 2019
• Base year: 2024
• Estimated year: 2025
• Forecast year: 2030

Aspects covered in this report
• Propylene Glycol Market with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

By End Use
• Construction
• Transportation
• Food & Beverages
• Cosmetics & Personal Care
• Pharmaceuticals
• Others

By Source
• Petroleum-based
• Bio-based

By Grade
• Industrial Grade
• Pharmaceutical Grade
• Others Show more