MOSCOW (MRC) -- Overall output of chemicals rose in 2017 by 4.7% year on year, with mineral fertilizers accounting for the greatest increase in production, according to Rosstat's data.
According to the Federal Service of State Statistics, last month's production of basic chemicals grew by 4.7% year on year. Production of mineral fertilizers went up significantly, whereas a number of other chemicals accounted for a minimal increase.
Thus, overall output of basic chemicals rose in 2017 by 4.3% year on year, with chemical fertilizers accounting for the greatest increase in production and ethylene - for the least growth.
274,000 tonnes of ethylene were manufactured in January, compared to 267,500 tonnes a year earlier, all producers maintained almost 100% of capacity utilisation. Overall, about 2,860,000 tonnes of this olefin were produced last year, up by 2.5% year on year.
Last month's production of benzene rose to 134,000 tonnes from 130,800 tonnes in January 2017. Overall output of this material reached 1,360,000 tonnes in 2017, up by 4.2%year on year.
January production of sodium hydroxide (caustic soda) was 113,000 tonnes (100% of the basic substance) versus 112,000 tonnes a year earlier. Overall output of caustic soda grew to 1,240,000 tonnes in 2017, up by 6.1% year on year.
Last month's production of mineral fertilizers was 2,019,000 tonnes (in terms of 100% nutrients) versus 1,940,000 tonnes in January 2017. Overall, Russian plants produced over 22,520,000 tonnes of fertilizers last year, up by 8.2% year on year.
MRC