MOSCOW (MRC) - Russian chemical industry maintained a positive dynamics in the growth in the output of basic chemicals in February. Index of chemical production in Russia grew by 8.5% in January - February 2017, according to Rosstat's data.
According to the Federal Service of State Statistics, last month's production of basic chemicals grew by 0.5% in comparison with the February 2016 index. Benzene accounted for the greatest increase in production.
Thus, 238,000 tonnes of ethylene were produced in February, compared to 251,000 tonnes a month earlier. Overall, over 505,000 tonnes of this olefin were manufactured in January-February, up by 1% year on year.
Last month's production of benzene dropped to 117,000 tonnes from 130,000 tonnes in January. Overall output of this product exceeded 247,000 tonnes over the stated period, up by 6.4%year on year.
February production of xylol decreased to 44,000 tonnes, compared to 57,200 tonnes a month earlier. January-February output of xylols was 101,200 tonnes, up by 0.4% year on year.
February production of sodium hydroxide (caustic soda) was 95,900 tonnes (100% of the basic substance), down 13.4% year on year. January-February output of caustic soda totalled 197,900 tonnes, up by 9% year on year.
February production of mineral fertilizers was 1.709 mln tonnes (in terms of 100% nutrients), down 8.7% from the January level. Russia's production of mineral fertilizers in the first two months of the year exceeded 3.540 mln tonnes, which was 10.8% higher than in 2016.
Production of all types of fertilizers increased, with most increase accounted for potash fertilizers, which output grew by 15.1%.
MRC