MOSCOW (MRC) - Production of high density polyethylene (HDPE) in Russia decreased by 18% in the first eight months of this year.
Emergency shutdown of the second-largest HDPE producer in Russia - Stavrolen was the main reason of the reduction in production volumes, according to MRC ScanPlast.
August HDPE production in Russia practically remained at the level of July at the level of 68,800 tonnes. Total HDPE production in Russia decreased to 579,100 tonnes in January - August of this year, compared to 697,600 tonnes year on year. The increase in HDPE production at the facilities of Kazanorgsintez and Gazprom neftekhim Salavat could not offset the shutdown of Stavrolen.
Structure of HDPE production by plants during the period was as follows.
The leader in the production remained Gazprom neftekhim Salavat (Gazprom), with HDPE production in August reached 4,700 tonnes; in July - August producer's capacities were shut for scheduled maintenance. Total HDPE production at Gazprom neftekhim Salavat grew to 59,700 tonnes in the first eight months of this year, up 38% year on year.
Kazanorgsintez (Taif) also kept a high level of capacity utilisation for the past few months, the August production of HDPE were 45,200 tonnes. Total HDPE production by the producer increased to 353,800 tonnes in the first eight months of 20014, up 8% year on year.
The third largest producer of HDPE in Russia, Nizhnekamskneftekhim (Taif) produced 117,700 tonnes in January - August of this year, compared with 121,000 tonnes year on year. The reduction in production resulted from the switching to the production of linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) in March - April 20014.
As we previously wrote, Stavrolen (LUKOIL) in late February of this year, had to shut HDPE production because of an accident. According to unofficial information, the producer resumes HDPE production in January - February 2015.
MRC