Thailand's IRPC keeps BTX op rate at 70-80%

20 November 2008 10:35 [Source: ICIS news]

SINGAPORE (ICIS news)--Thailand-based aromatics producer IRPC is continuing to run its benzene, toluene and mixed xylenes (BTX) plant at 70-80% with no dates fixed yet for ramping up, said a company source on Thursday.

Operating rates at the Rayong-based unit producing 8,000 tonnes/month of toluene and 9,000 tonnes/month of isomer grade xylene have been lowered since the second quarter this year.

There was limited impact on BTX production due to an ongoing shutdown at the company’s 350,000 tonne/year naphtha cracker as the feedstock could be obtained from a reformer as well, the company source said.

Due to the reduced production levels, there was limited spot availability of the products, the source added.

The company also produces 1,500-2,000 tonnes/month of solvent grade xylene, which is currently being sold only within the domestic market.

Some of the other key aromatics sellers in southeast Asia are Thailand’s Rayong Olefins, Singapore’s PCS and ExxonMobil, and Philippines-based Petron Corp.

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By: Mahua Chakravarty
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