Asia top stories – weekly summary

SINGAPORE (ICIS)–Here are the top stories from ICIS News Asia and the Middle East for the week ended 5 April 2024.

Oil at six-month highs; Brent crude at above $91/bbl on Mideast tensions
By Nurluqman Suratman 05-Apr-24 11:00 SINGAPORE (ICIS)–Oil prices were extending gains, with Brent crude hitting past the $91/barrel mark on Friday, fueled by escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East which could disrupt supply amid output cuts by OPEC and its allies (OPEC+).

INSIGHT: NE Asia C2 shipments slower for May, arb narrowing for SE Asia
By Josh Quah 04-Apr-24 21:35 SINGAPORE (ICIS)–With spot discussions now turned to May arrivals, Asia ethylene markets are in a wait-and-see moment.

Taiwan petrochemical operations normal despite 7.7-magnitude quake
By Nurluqman Suratman 03-Apr-24 15:18 SINGAPORE (ICIS)–Operations at most petrochemical plants in western Taiwan were unaffected by a major quake that struck off the eastern coast of the island early on Wednesday, but the port at Formosa Petrochemical Corp’s (FPCC) Mailiao refinery was reportedly shut.

Singapore March manufacturing improves; external headwinds persist
By Nurluqman Suratman 03-Apr-24 12:12 SINGAPORE (ICIS)–Manufacturing activity in Singapore improved in March, boosted by higher export orders, but may remain weighed down in the near term by global economic weakness.

INSIGHT: India’s PVC in the eye of the storm; ADD inquiry launched, BIS regulation looms
By Damini Dabholkar 02-Apr-24 16:00 SINGAPORE (ICIS)–India’s polyvinyl chloride (PVC) market was active over the past two weeks, with April offers being announced, and notifications being released for two regulations.