Introduction

White spirit is a widely used solvent and cleaning agent across various industries, especially in painting, metal cleaning, and degreasing. Its cost varies across different countries due to local production capacities, import regulations, and fluctuations in the petrochemical market. In Pakistan and Kenya, where demand for construction and industrial products is steadily growing, white spirit continues to be an essential commodity. This article explores the white spirit price in Pakistan, its price per litre globally, especially in developing countries, and focuses on white spirit price in Kenya. Whether you're a wholesaler, industrial user, or just an informed buyer, understanding white spirit's price dynamics helps make better purchasing decisions.

White Spirit Price in Pakistan

White Spirit Price in Pakistan is a crucial factor for industries involved in painting, manufacturing, and even domestic cleaning solutions. In recent years, the price has fluctuated primarily due to the currency exchange rate, government duties, and changes in oil prices. As of early 2025, the average market price of white spirit in Pakistan ranges between PKR 350 to PKR 480 per litre, depending on purity, source, and packaging.

White spirit is either imported or locally manufactured, and each source contributes differently to its pricing. Imported white spirit, especially that from UAE or China, generally costs more due to shipping and customs duties. On the other hand, locally refined white spirit is cheaper but may vary in quality. Retail availability includes metal containers, drums, and small plastic bottles commonly used by painters and mechanics.

The commercial sector in Pakistan—especially paint manufacturers like Nippon and Berger—often purchases white spirit in bulk, pushing wholesale prices down to PKR 300 per litre or lower. Conversely, retail customers typically pay a markup due to distribution and retail costs.

It is also important to note that prices vary between cities. In Karachi and Lahore, white spirit is more affordable due to access to ports and industrial zones. In remote or northern regions, transport adds a cost, making it more expensive.

White Spirit Price Per Litre

White Spirit Price Per Litre plays a pivotal role in determining procurement decisions across industries. Globally, white spirit is priced according to its grade—low aromatic, high flashpoint, or deodorized versions—which impacts the per-litre cost.

On the international market, white spirit is priced anywhere between USD 0.70 to USD 1.20 per litre, depending on origin, grade, and packaging. In developing countries like India, Bangladesh, and Nigeria, local per-litre prices generally stay between USD 0.80 to USD 1.00, making them affordable for small and mid-size industries.

Packaging also affects the per-litre cost. Buying white spirit in 200-litre drums significantly lowers the price per unit compared to buying in 1-litre or 5-litre containers. Additionally, prices rise in regions with poor transportation networks due to increased freight charges.

In Europe and North America, regulatory standards demand high-purity white spirit, which pushes prices to around USD 1.50 or more per litre, especially for deodorized or odorless types. In contrast, in African and South Asian markets, standard white spirit with moderate purity remains sufficient for most applications, keeping costs relatively lower.

The per-litre pricing of white spirit is also influenced by global oil prices, since it is derived from petroleum. Any significant fluctuation in crude oil rates tends to affect white spirit costs across international markets.

White Spirit Price in Kenya

White Spirit Price in Kenya has seen considerable changes over the past few years due to rising fuel import costs and taxation. As of the first quarter of 2025, the price of white spirit in Kenya ranges from KES 320 to KES 450 per litre, with slight regional variations depending on supply chain logistics.

Kenya relies heavily on imports for its white spirit supply, mainly from the Middle East, China, and South Africa. The import dependency results in higher prices when international shipping or crude oil prices spike. Additionally, government-imposed VAT and environmental levies impact the overall cost.

In Nairobi and Mombasa, white spirit is commonly sold in paint stores, hardware shops, and chemical supply outlets. Large paint producers such as Crown Paints and Basco use white spirit as a key solvent in their manufacturing process. For them, bulk purchasing allows the price to drop to KES 290 per litre or lower.

Retail customers, including individual painters and vehicle workshops, often purchase smaller quantities, leading to a price increase due to retail margins. Furthermore, remote regions such as Kisumu or Eldoret may experience even higher prices because of transportation costs and supply delays.

Efforts to manufacture white spirit domestically in Kenya are still in the early stages. Until local production becomes viable, prices will continue to be influenced by global supply chains and currency exchange rates.

Conclusion

White spirit remains an indispensable chemical across multiple industries in Pakistan and Kenya, with pricing that reflects both global and local economic factors. In Pakistan, prices generally stay within a moderate range, particularly due to a mix of local production and affordable imports. Kenya, on the other hand, experiences slightly higher prices due to its reliance on imports and transportation logistics.

Whether assessed by location or quantity, the white spirit price per litre shows clear trends: bulk buyers pay significantly less, and regional accessibility plays a major role. The differences in market structures between these two nations underline the need for better supply chain solutions, regional production opportunities, and policy support to stabilize pricing.

For buyers, knowing the current white spirit price in their country—and the global per-litre average—provides a competitive edge in procurement. With increased industrial activity expected in both Pakistan and Kenya, staying informed about price trends will help manage costs effectively and ensure uninterrupted operations in sectors that rely on this versatile solvent.