MOSCOW (MRC) -- The situation in the Russian high density polyethylene (LDPE) market had virtually remained unchanged by mid-December compared with November. Tight supply remained because of exports, prices were also high, according to ICIS-MRC Price report.
Buying activity was low in the LDPE market, but demand from converters was stable. Exports have led to constant disruptions in polyethylene (PE) shipments to the domestic market from some Russian producers. The September shortage in the market, caused by scheduled outages at the plants in Kazan and Ufa, has led to higher prices that rolled over up to date.
Offer prices for Kazanorgsintez and Ufaorgsintez's LDPE 108 grade were heard in the range of Rb58,300-59,200/tonne FCA, including VAT. The market was seriously undersupplied. At the same time, there were reports about lengthy delivery time for LDPE under the already concluded deals.
There was a wide price dispertion in the LDPE 158 grade market, offer prices were heard in the range of Rb57,000-59,500/tonne FCA, including VAT. There were also reports on lengthy delivery dates from many producers.
Supply was sufficient in the shrinkable film PE market, demand was weak. Offers for LDPE were heard at Rb60,500-61,800/tonne FCA, including VAT.
As informed earlier, Ufaorgsintez announced an increase of Rb1,000/tonne in contract LDPE prices from 16 December, citing low inventories and sales of some January volumes.
MRC