Total calls force majeure on PP, PS, PE over French strikes

21 October 2010 10:56  [Source: ICIS news]

LONDON (ICIS)--French petrochemicals producer Total has declared force majeure across all grades of polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP) and polystyrene (PS) as a result of the ongoing strike action in France, a company source said on Thursday.

The company was forced to call force majeure on 18 October as transportation of raw materials to facilities was proving difficult. As a result, production of all polyolefins had slowed considerably.

“We were obliged to call force majeure because of the strike action in France,” the company source said, before adding: “We have problems with the refineries, the transport of product. Stocks are low and we have to juggle our October commitments.”

Looking forward, the situation was unclear in both the PP and PE markets. The Total source said: “It is difficult to know what is going to happen because of the strike; it could be resolved tomorrow, it could continue for the rest of the month.”

However, higher prices were envisaged for PS as availability looked set to be even tighter going into November.

For more on PE, PP and PS visit ICIS chemical intelligence
For more on Total visit ICIS company intelligence
To discuss issues facing the chemical industry go to ICIS connect

By: Stephanie Wilson
+44 20 8652 3214

For the latest chemical news, data and analysis that directly impacts your business sign up for a free trial to ICIS news - the breaking online news service for the global chemical industry.

Get the facts and analysis behind the headlines from our market leading weekly magazine: sign up to a free trial to ICIS Chemical Business.

Printer Friendly