Sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) is the world’s most produced industrial chemical commodity. It serves as a fundamental raw material in countless processes, most notably in the manufacture of fertilizers and in metal processing. Determining the precise cost is complex because the final price is not a single number but a variable figure. The cost fluctuates dramatically based on the volume purchased, required purity level, specialized handling needs, and volatile global market forces.
Average Pricing by Volume and Concentration
The price of sulfuric acid is heavily influenced by the quantity purchased, creating a massive disparity between industrial bulk rates and retail purchases. Large industrial consumers buy the acid in bulk, with prices typically quoted in United States dollars per metric ton (MT). Standard industrial concentrations are 93% and 98% H₂SO₄, with prices fluctuating broadly between $59 and $180 per MT in various global regions. For instance, industrial-grade sulfuric acid in the United States was assessed around $129 per MT in early 2025.
Bulk pricing is generally based on Free On Board (FOB) or Cost, Insurance, and Freight (CIF) terms, requiring the buyer to assume responsibility for a portion of the transport costs. The lowest prices are achieved by large-volume users who receive shipments via dedicated rail cars or barges directly to their manufacturing plants. These industrial operations measure consumption in thousands of metric tons annually, benefiting from significant economies of scale.
The cost for small-volume users, such as laboratories or small businesses, is exponentially higher on a per-unit basis. Retail pricing is measured in dollars per gallon or per liter and includes substantial markups for specialized packaging and handling. A single gallon of 93% technical grade acid can cost around $125.75, while a 55-gallon drum of the same concentration may cost approximately $1,299. The per-gallon cost for a small drum is many times greater than the equivalent cost for a metric ton delivered in a bulk tanker.
Purity and Grade as Pricing Determinants
Beyond volume, the required chemical specification, or grade, is a primary driver of the final product cost. The least expensive form is the Industrial or Technical Grade, typically 93% or 98% concentration, used for high-volume processes like general manufacturing and fertilizer production. This grade has acceptable levels of impurities for large-scale applications where trace contaminants do not compromise the end product.
A higher price point is commanded by Battery Grade sulfuric acid, formulated for use as the electrolyte in lead-acid batteries. This grade demands a higher degree of purity, requiring low levels of iron and other metallic impurities that could interfere with the electrochemical reaction. The specialized manufacturing and testing processes for this specification add to the production cost.
The most expensive category is the Reagent or American Chemical Society (ACS) Grade, required for highly sensitive laboratory analyses and specialized chemical synthesis. ACS Grade sulfuric acid is subject to strict quality control, with precise limits on impurities like heavy metals and chlorides. The extensive testing, certification, and smaller-batch production needed to guarantee this high purity significantly increase the cost, regardless of the purchase volume.
Logistical and Handling Expenses
Safely transporting and storing this highly corrosive hazardous material adds a substantial layer of expense often overlooked in the base commodity price. Sulfuric acid is heavy, requiring all storage and transport containers to be rated for a minimum of 1.9 specific gravity. Failure to meet this specification can compromise the structural integrity of the container.
Storage infrastructure is specialized, ranging from high-density polyethylene (HDPE) tanks for volumes under 10,000 gallons to carbon steel tanks for concentrated acid above 93% H₂SO₄. The cost for a large storage tank can range from $300 up to $150,000 for a 100,000-gallon capacity. Regulatory compliance, including mandatory Hazmat licensing and specialized safety equipment, contributes significantly to the final expense for any user.
Transportation requires specialized railcars and tanker trucks that feature protective interior linings, such as rubber or phenolic coatings. These vehicles often lack a bottom outlet valve to reduce the risk of leaks. Modern railcars are designed with increased load capacities, sometimes up to 77 tonnes, which reduces the transport cost per tonne. For small purchases, these necessary Hazmat freight and handling fees can sometimes equal or exceed the cost of the acid itself.
Global Market Influences on Price
The macro-economic environment and the supply chain for raw materials introduce considerable volatility to the price of sulfuric acid. The primary raw material is elemental sulfur, often a by-product recovered from the processing of crude oil and natural gas. Consequently, fluctuations in the energy market and the global sulfur supply directly impact the production cost of H₂SO₄.
Demand from the agricultural sector is a major force influencing market prices, as approximately half of all sulfuric acid produced is used to manufacture phosphate fertilizers. Seasonal planting cycles and global agricultural demand can create significant spikes in consumption, leading to sudden price increases. Disruptions in global shipping, refinery throughput, or planned maintenance shutdowns at major production facilities can rapidly tighten supply. For example, prices in Europe reached $115 per MT due to extreme tightness, demonstrating the market’s sensitivity to supply-side issues.