Shell’s MIBK, MEK still on allocation

10 October 2008 07:02  [Source: ICIS news]

HOUSTON (ICIS news)--Shell Chemical's US Gulf coast methyl isobutyl ketone (MIBK) and methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) remained on allocation due to declarations of force majeure (FM), in late September, the company said on Thursday.

 

"MEK and MIBK are still under allocation due to the force majeure caused by both storm damage and storm-related logistics issues related to Hurricane Ike," spokesperson Alexandra Smith said.

 

The FMs will continue at least until the end of October, she said.

 

Smith would not comment on specific allocation levels, but said the company was in "close contact" with its customers regarding each product.

 

Other products under Shell's FM include methyl isobutyl carbinol (MIBC), di-acetone alcohol (DAA) and hexylene glycol (HG), which are produced at the site.

 

Shell's solvents production at Deer Park in Houston is scheduled to close by 1 November.

 

September contract prices are 98-100 cents/lb ($2,161-2,205, €1,578-1,610) for MEK, and120-126 cents/lb ($2,646-2,778, €1,932-2,028) for MIBK, according to data from global chemical market intelligence service ICIS pricing.

 

Other US producers of MIBK include Dow Chemical, Celanese and Sasol. Other US producers of MEK include Celanese, Exxon and Sasol.

 

($1 = €0.73)

 

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By: Larry Terry
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