APIC ’10: Iran benzene exports fall on PARS SM start-up

13 May 2010 08:55  [Source: ICIS news]

MUMBAI (ICIS news)--Iran's benzene exports to Europe and Asia have declined in the past few months following the start of commercial operations of the 600,000-tonne/year downstream styrene monomer (SM) plant by local producer, PARS Petrochemicals, Iranian traders said on Thursday.

Iran was exporting about 35,000 tonnes/month of benzene to Europe and Asia prior to the PARS start-up in the first quarter of 2010. This has fallen to about 10,000 tonnes/month at present, they said on the sidelines of the Asia Petrochemical Industry Conference (APIC) 2010. 

According to traders, PARS is consuming about 700 tonnes of benzene per day for the SM plant, which is currently operating at around 70%.

PARS’ daily demand for benzene could see an increase in the near future, which could mean a further reduction in benzene exports and even result in some demand for benzene imports into Iran, traders added.

Currently, Bou Ali Sina Petrochemical, Bandar Imam Petrochemical Co and Borzouyeh Petrochemicals supply benzene for Iran's exports and captive consumption by PARS.

APIC is taking place in Mumbai, India, on 13–14 May.

With additional reporting by Steve Tan

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By: Mahua Chakravarty
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