MOSCOW (MRC) - Russia's production of high density polyethylene (HDPE) was about 327,900 tonnes in January-April 2018, up 5% year on year. Not all producers increased production volumes over the reported period, according to MRC ScanPlast.
April production of HDPE in Russia increased to 92,500 tonnes, whereas a month earlier this figure did not exceed 80,800 tonnes. The increase in production volumes was a result of the resumption of HDPE production at Nizhnekamskneftekhim. Overall HDPE output reached 327,900 tonnes in the first four months of 2018, compared to 312,300 tonnes a year earlier.
Structure of PE production over the reported period looked as follows.
Russia's April HDPE production at Kazanorgsintez decreased to 40,900 tonnes from 44,600 tonnes a month earlier. The Kazan plant's overall HDPE production was 171,500 tonnes in January-April 2018, up by 4% year on year.
Stavrolen also reduced output of HDPE last month, the final figure was 25,800 tonnes against 27,000 tonnes in March. The plant's HDPE output reached 102,100 tonnes in January-April 2018, up 12% year on year.
Gazprom neftekhim Salavat increased capacity utilisation in April after a short scheduled shutdown in March, with about 11,100 tonnes produced in April, compared with 8,700 tonnes in March. Total HDPE production at the plant reached 39,100 tonnes in January-April 2018, up 25% year on year.
Nizhnekamskneftekhim switched to linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) production in the early November 2017, and continued to produce it until early April. Total HDPE production at Nizhnekamskneftekhim was 15,200 tonnes in January-April 2018 against 10,700 tonnes year on year.
MRC