MOSCOW (MRC) -- Late resumption after maintenance of two Russian low density polyethylene (LDPE) plants in the second half of the month led to price increases. LDPE prices continued their upward trend in the first decade of September, according to ICIS-MRC Price report.
Angarsk Polymers Plant and Gazprom neftekhim Salavat's LDPE production capacities were shut for maintenance in late June-early July, the turnarounds were scheduled to last for 30 days. But due to technical issues, these two producers finished their maintenance works with a great delay, which caused tight supply of LDPE in the second half of August and price rises. Shutdowns for turnarounds were also scheduled simultaneously at three plants in September, this factor has begun to put pressure on prices since the first days of the month, but the price increase was small in the first decade.
The plant's customers said Angarsk Polymers Plant had resumed production after a long turnaround only by the end of the first decade, with its capacity utilisation being reduced during the month. Due to a shortage of ethylene, Gazprom neftekhim Salavat resumed its LDPE production in early September, having virtually been idle for two months.
Tomskneftekhim took off-stream its production capacities for a two-week maintenance on 5 September. Ufaorgsintez will shut some of its production capacities for a one-week maintenance from 17 September, and Kazanorgsintez will begin shutting down its production from 26 September, the turnaround at some lines will last until 24 October.
A number of market sellers' supply of LDPE was somewhat tight, but there was no excitement because of this. Most converters were in no hurry to build up additional stocks and made purchases as per their current needs.
At the same time, a slight shortage led to higher prices for some grades. Prices of Russian 158 grade LDPE have grown to Rb83,000-85,500/tonne CPT Moscow, including VAT, since the beginning of the month. Prices of 153 grade polyethylene (PE) were in the range of Rb91,500-94,000/tonne CPT Moscow, including VAT. Prices of 108 grade LDPE virtually did not go up, and the material was sold at Rb80,500-83,000/tonne CPT Moscow, including VAT.
MRC