MOSCOW (MRC) - Russia's production of high density polyethylene (HDPE) was about 571,000 tonnes in January-June 2018, down 0.4% year on year. At the same time, only one Russian producer reduced PP output, according to MRC ScanPlast report.
July HDPE production in Russia grew to 79,600 tonnes, whereas this figure was about 79,000 tonnes a month earlier. At the same time, an increase in production in July was seen only from Kazanorgsintez. Overall HDPE output decreased 571,000 tonnes in the first seven months of 2018, compared to 573,300 tonnes a year earlier; only Nizhnekamskneftekhim reduced production volumes in favour of linear polyethylene (LLDPE).
Structure of HDPE production over the reported period looked as follows.
Russia's July HDPE production at Kazanorgsintez increased to 48,800 tonnes from 44,600 tonnes a month earlier. The Kazan plant's overall HDPE production was 318,400 tonnes in January-July 2018, up by 1% year on year.
Stavrolen last month produced about 21,800 tonnes against 23,400 tonnes a month earlier. The plant's HDPE output reached 172,900 tonnes in the first seven months of 2018, up by 3% year on year.
Gazprom neftekhim Salavat shut its capacities in July for a short scheduled shutdown, with about 9,000 tonnes produced in July, compared with 10,900 tonnes in June. Total HDPE production at the plant reached 69,300 tonnes in January-July 2018, up 35% year on year. Such a high rate of growth in output was a result of the lack of a long scheduled maintenance works this year.
During the period under review, Nizhnekamskneftekhim produced HDPE only in April and May. Total HDPE production at Nizhnekamskneftekhim over the incomplete two months of the year was just 17,700 tonnes against 37,300 tonnes year on year.
MRC