Poland’s Azoty stops capro, PA6, nitrogen ferts production on gas pricing

LONDON (ICIS)–Record natural gas pricing for Poland-based chemicals producer Grupa Azoty has driven the company to halt some caprolactam (capro), polyamide 6 (PA6), and nitrogen fertilizers production, the firm said.

The company is planning to halt production of nitrogen fertilizers, PA6, and capro at its Grupa Azoty SA division – the overall company parent, based in Tarnow, Poland – and reduce production at its Pulawy site in the country.

The temporary shutdowns at its Grupa Azoty SA operations are expected to come into effect from Tuesday (23 August), the company said, driven by “record” natural gas prices.

Azoty estimates that its natural gas pricing has increased from €72 per megawatt hour (MWh) on 22 February to €276/MWh on 22 August.

Azoty is understood to have already reduced production of melamine, ammonia, and urea in July.

The company had not responded to requests for comment on the extent of the production cuts at its Pulawy operations at the time of publication.

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The announcement follows a move by Romania-based producer Chimcomplex to suspend production at its Borzesti Onesti facility for 14 days from 18 August as a result of high energy prices.

Front page picture: Azoty’s facilities in Tarnow, Poland 
Source: Grupa Azoty

Infographic by Yashas Mudumbai