MOSCOW (MRC) -- Russia's production of high density polyethylene (HDPE) totalled about 868,000 tonnes in 2019, down by 10% year on year. All manufacturers reduced production volumes, primarily due to long scheduled maintenance works, according to MRC's ScanPlast.
December HDPE production in Russia grew to 72,500 tonnes, whereas this figure was 65,800 tonnes a month earlier. Only Gazprom neftekhim Salavat and Kazanorgsintez raised their output. Thus, overall HDPE production reached 868,500 tonnes in 2019, compared to 960,800 tonnes a year earlier. All manufacturers reduced polyethylene production volumes, while Gazprom Neftekhim Salavat and Stavrolen showed the greatest reductions due to long stops for scheduled repairs.
The structure of polyethylene production by plants looked the following way over the stated period.
Russia's December HDPE production at Kazanorgsintez increased to 40,800 tonnes from 36,600 tonnes a month earlier. The Kazan producer partially shifted its capacities to the production of linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE). The Kazan plant's overall HDPE output reached 495,700 tonnes in January-December 2019, down by 2% year on year. At the same time, it is worth noting that the decrease in the production of HDPE helped to increase LLDPE production.
Stavrolen produced about 20,700 tonnes last month versus 20,400 tonnes in November, the Budenovsk producer limited its production capacities due to restrictions on ethylene production. The plant's overall output reached 262,300 tonnes over the stated period, down by 11% year on year.
Gazprom neftekhim Salavat increased its capacity utilisation in December, the plant's total production grew to 10,400 tonnes from 8,100 tonnes a month earlier. The Bashkir plant's overall HDPE output reached 106,000 tonnes in 2019, down by 11% year on year. Such a great reduction in HDPE production was caused by a long turnaround in July, whereas the Salavat producer did not shut its production capacities for maintenance last year.
In the period under review, Nizhnekamskneftekhim produced mainly linear polyethylene (LLDPE), the volumes of HDPE production was insignificant.
MRC