Trinidad planning large natgas curtailments in Sept, producers

HOUSTON (ICIS)–Petrochemical producers in Trinidad expect big natural gas cutbacks in September, a methanol source said on Wednesday.

Nitrogen and ammonia producers have said the country’s state-owned utility has warned of cutting natural gas deliveries by as much as 40% during the month.

However, a methanol source predicted the real impact would be a 20-25% cut in gas supplies because of plant turnarounds scheduled to coincide with the curtailment.

Natural gas cutbacks have become routine for petrochemical producers at Trinidad’s Point Lisas Industrial Estate for the past few years, because of repair work on offshore platforms.

Methanol production in Trinidad fell by 7% in 2012, and exports dropped 4%, according to data from the country’s Ministry of Energy and Energy Affairs.

In September 2012, the utility cut natural gas supplies by 25-30% because of work being done on a BG Trinidad and Tobago (BGTT) platform.