MOSCOW (MRC) -- Production of basic chemicals in Russia grew over the first ten months of 2015 by 3.7% year on year. Ethylene accounted for the greatest increase in the output, a negative result was only registered in the chemical fertilizers segment, as per Rosstat's data.
According to the Federal State Statistics Service of the Russian Federation, 233,000 tonnes of ethylene were produced in October versus 147,000 tonnes in September (Kazanorgsintez, Nizhnekamskneftekhim and SIBUR-Kstovo were shut down for scheduled maintenances). Overall, over 2.24 million tonnes of this olefin were produced from January to October 2015, up by 15.7% year on year. A significant increase was caused by the resumption of ethylene production at Stavrolen, besides, Gazprom neftekhim Salavat raised its output by 10% this year.
The last month's production of benzene rose to 104,000 tonnes from 81,700 tonnes in September (Kazanorgsintez and Nizhnekamskneftekhim were shut for maintenance). The overall output of this product reached 987,200 tonnes over the first ten months of 2015, up by 2.4% year on year.
The October production of xylenes rose to 46,800 tonnes from 36,500 tonnes a month earlier. 452,800 tonnes of xylene were produced from January to October 2015, up by 8% year on year.
The October output of sodium hydroxide (caustic soda) reached 92,800 tonnes (100% of the basic substance) versus 85,100 tonnes a month earlier (SayanskKhimplast RusVinyl were shut down for maintenance in September). Production of caustic soda reached 902,100 tonnes over the stated reported period, up by 5.6% year on year.
1.55 million tonnes of mineral fertilizers (recalculated with regard to 100% of nutrients) were produced last month, down by 3.1% from September. Russian plants produced 16.33 million tonnes of fertilizers over the first ten months of 2015, down by 1.1% year on year. Only potash accounted for the decrease in production.
MRC