HDPE imports up 1.5 times in Russia over two months

MOSCOW (MRC) -- Over the course of January-February, HDPE imports in Russia went up by more than 1.5 times (to 26.59 kt) compared to the same period last year - according to MRC DataScope Report.

Imports of Borealis' material increased nearly three times. The share of Borealis' HDPE has moved at about 44% of overall imports this year.


Imports of HDPE used for extrusion coating hiked by nearly 3.5 times (to 11.66 kt). Again supply of Borealis' feedstock increased more than three times (only Brocoat HE 3450 grade has been imported to the Russian market this year).

Imports of pipe-grade HDPE during January-February 2010 were almost similar to the last year's figure (5.94 kt). Demand for pipe-grade material has been extremely weak this year. Seasonal growth of demand will not start earlier than April. At the same time, some trading companies are gradually increasing imports of Asian material. In February, imports of Korea Petrochemical's pipe-grade HDPE went up by 25%, compared to the previous month.

MRC

For more detailed information, see DataScope Report.

Dow Europe increases PE price

March 22 (plasteurope) -- As of 1 April 2010, Dow Europe will raise the prices of its polyethylene resins across Europe, the Middle East, Africa and India. Whereas LDPE will cost an additional EUR 80/t, the prices of LLDPE and HDPE will rise by EUR 60/t.

The group last raised the price of PE on 1 January 2010.

MRCMRC Reference

Hyundai to hand over polypropylene plant to PetroVietnam by end of May

March 22 (plastemart) -- Plant contractor Hyundai plans to hand over a 150,000 tpa polypropylene plant in Dung Quat oil refinery complex to the investor PetroVietnam. About 99.4% of construction has been completed and a trial production is scheduled for the end of April. Hence the hand over should happen by the end of May.


The VND3 trillion (US$166 mln) hi-tech plant will be supplied with 260,000 tons of propylene feedstock from the refinery.

MRC

Sudden shutdown at Haldia Petrochemicals' revamped 676,000 tpa naphtha cracker

March 19 (plastemart) -- An unspecified problem has compelled a sudden shutdown at Haldia Petrochemicals' newly revamped 676,000 tpa naphtha cracker. The duration of the shutdown is not certain.


HPL resumed operations around late January 2010, after a 75 day shutdown that started in late October for 30% capacity expansion.

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Saudi Aramco mulls change of location of petrochemicals complex planned at Ras Tanura

March 19 (plastemart) -- Saudi Aramco is mulling a change in the location of its US$17 bln petrochemicals complex planned at the Gulf port of Ras Tanura, as per Meed. The company is faced with major difficulties with the current site and is working on a feasibility study for other potential locations. These include Jubail to the north of Ras Tanura, and Ras al-Zour- an industrial port 80 km to the north of Jubail. The oil giant is expected to come to a decision over a site for the project by either late March or early April.

MRC