Why Chemical Sector Ends in Red on April 20, 2026

The Nifty Chemical index however did not follow the same. The index closed at 27,226.80 against a previous close of 27,857.10, opening strong at 27,908.85 but ending the session down 0.70%, declining over 630 points by close.

The primary reason remains the ongoing closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which has entered its 50th day following the US-Iran conflict that erupted on February 28, 2026. For India's chemical industry, which depends heavily on the Middle East for key feedstocks including benzene, toluene, naphtha, and LPG, this is not a short-term disruption; it is a structural shock to raw material supply chains. Crude oil prices hovering near $110 per barrel have further compounded cost pressures across the board, squeezing margins at a time when demand recovery was already fragile. 

Pidilite Industries Down By 0.21%

Pidilite Industries is one of India's leading manufacturers of adhesives, sealants and construction chemicals, widely known for household brands like Fevicol, Fevikwik, M-Seal and Dr. Fixit. The stock opened at ₹1,395.00, touched a high of ₹1,399.60 and a low of ₹1,378.70, ending the session at ₹1,390.50, down ₹2.90 or 0.21% from its previous close.

SRF Limited Fell 1.18%

SRF Limited is a diversified manufacturer with businesses spanning technical textiles, specialty chemicals, packaging films and aluminium foils. The stock opened at ₹2,510.00, hit a high of ₹2,510.00 and a low of ₹2,456.20, closing at ₹2,465.10, a decline of ₹29.40 or 1.18% for the session.

Linde India Declines 2.41%

Linde India is a leading manufacturer of industrial and medical gases and is a subsidiary of the BOC Group, UK, which holds a 75% stake in the company. The stock opened at ₹7,240.00, touched a high of ₹7,318.50 and fell to a low of ₹7,009.00, ending the day at ₹7,065.00, down ₹174.50 or 2.41%, making it the steepest decliner among the three.

Market Breadth on April 20

As of April 20th, 2026, the market breadth was in favour of advancing stocks. Out of 3,427 stocks traded on the NSE, 1,262 advanced, 2,045 declined, and 120 remained unchanged. 

A total of 132 stocks touched their 52-week highs, while 8 hit their 52-week lows. Additionally, 116 stocks were locked in their upper circuits, whereas 66 stocks were locked in lower circuits.