(MRC) -- Following August results, in Russia production of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) increased by 22% compared to July. Total volume of HDPE production over the eight months made 585.5 KT, according to MRC ScanPlast.
In July there were some technical problems at Gazprom neftechem Salavat. In August, HDPE production halted on and off, but since September 1, PE production suspended completely because of the accident. Gazprom neftechem Salavat is allegedly expected to restart HDPE production on the 1st of October. In mid-August, due to ethylene shortages, Kazanorgsyntez reduced HDPE production. That is why last month Russian companies produced only 74.4 KT.
Over the eight months, total volume of HDPE produced in Russia increased by 3% year on year. This year production growth has largely resulted from increased production capacities at Stavrolen and Gazprom neftechem Salavat. Other Russian producers, on the contrary, have cut production volumes.
There were no significant changes in HDPE consumption sectors. This year, Russian producers have increased pipe PE output, in particular, coloured and uncoloured PE100.
Last month Nizhnekamskneftechem restarted coloured PE100 production. This year the range of PE grades has not changed. The exception was only Kazanorgsyntez, which presented in the market a new IM grade - PE2NT21-13.
In September, Russian producers are expected to decrease HDPE production volumes by more than 30%. Earlier this week, Kazanorgsyntez began shutting down its reactors for routine maintenance. HDPE production is expected to resume on October, 5-6.
Nizhnekamskneftechem is expected to stop its HDPE production for 10 days scheduled maintenance from September, 27. The accident made Salavat neftechem Gazprom stand idle for a month.
By: Сергей Карайченцев, MRC analyst.
MRC