On July 27, 2025, around 6:10 p.m., residents near Hashiguchimachi, Omuta-shi, Fukuoka, Japan reported a sulfur-like smell and alerted emergency services. The source was traced to a chlorine gas leak at Mitsui Chemicals’ Omuta Plant, about 1 km east of the reported area. The plant operates a 50 ktpa TDI facility.

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Previously, the plant’s TDI capacity was 120 ktpa, but it was recently reduced to 50 ktpa after maintenance. According to the plant and local fire authorities, around 40 to 42 people - both nearby residents and plant workers - were treated for symptoms like coughing and eye irritation. About five were hospitalized for observation. All remained conscious, and no serious injuries were reported.

The leak occurred during plant operations. Detectors triggered an alarm at 5:40 p.m., leading to an emergency shutdown. The leak was fully contained by 7:50 p.m. The cause remains under investigation by the Omuta police.

The leak also disrupted the “Omuta Daijayama Festival”, a popular summer event that started at 5 p.m. near the site. The festival was canceled midway due to safety concerns.

Given these unpredictable dynamics, access to accurate, real-time market intelligence has become essential. PUdaily’s Pricing Intelligence Service and dedicated Asia-Pacific TDI reports help industry participants anticipate shifts, benchmark prices, and make better-informed procurement and sales decisions amid the uncertainty.