Nizhnekamskneftekhim resumed LLDPE production in mid-February; however, due to technical problems, shipments to the domestic market were limited. Lack of butene-based LLDPE in Europe resulted in a serious decrease in imports of European material in the Russian market. In view of the domestic demand sales of Shurtan Gas-Chemical Plant's feedstock at the exchange were nearly stopped.
The tight Russian PE market and high feedstock prices in Europe and Asia preconditioned growth of prices in Russia.
The price for Nizhenkamskneftekhim's PE5118Q LLDPE grade climbed at RUB60.000/mt; prices for Uzbek polyethylene moved at RUB57.000/mt, including VAT, FCA. European producers raised March LLDPE prices on average by EUR30-40/mt, to EUR1.080-1.100.
For more detailed information on the Russian polyethylene market, see Price Report.