(MRC) -- Long-run declining LDPE prices began growing unexpectedly for many Russian market players. Volatility of PE supplies, which caused these changes, may lead to further price increase, according to ICIS-MRC Price report.
In June on the back of excess LDPE supplies to the Russian market, LDPE prices gradually went down. Demand for finished films this summer did not meet market players' expectations. Last year record hot summer provided a significantly high consumption of finished films in many sectors, such as shrink films.
Low demand for LDPE, as a result of low demand for finished films, as well as an excess PE supplies in the Russian market in mid-August resulted in decrease of 158 LDPE prices to RUB 54.500-57.500/t, including VAT, CPT Moscow.
Scheduled shutdowns of Tomskneftechem in July-August and Ufaorgsyntez in late August resulted in reduction of LDPE excess in Russia. However, the main driver in the current price rise was ethylene shortage at Kazanorgsyntez which affected reduction of LDPE supplies to the domestic market in late August.