Belarus Jan-Oct PE production down 38% year on year

MOSCOW (MRC)–Belarus’ overall production of low density polyethylene (LDPE) totalled 50,800 tonnes in the first 10 months of 2017, down by 38% year on year.

Local producer Polymir had completed a turnaround on part of its capacities by early November, according to MRC analysts.

The National Statistical Committee of the Republic of Belarus said Polymir had a partial stoppage for preventative maintenance in October.

October LDPE production in the country was 5,700 tonnes compared to 6,300 tonnes in September.

Thus, Polymir’s overall LDPE output totalled 50,800 tonnes in January-October versus 81,500 tonnes a year earlier.

The fire at one of the ethylene units in late June, which led to a two-fold reduction in the olefin production, was the main reason for such a major fall in the output.

Polymir’s October turnaround lasted around a month. By the beginning of the last week production at the site had resumed.

Polymir (part of Naftan) is Belarus’ largest petrochemical company, producing a wide range of chemical products, such as low density polyethylene (LDPE), acrylic fibers, products of organic synthesis and hydrocarbon fractions.

The plant’s annual production capacity is 130,000 tonnes.

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