Russia Jan-Nov HDPE production down by 9% year on year

MOSCOW (MRC)–Russia’s high density polyethylene (HDPE)  production decreased in January-November by 9% year on year to 824,300 tonnes, with all producers cutting output apart from Kazanorgsitez, according to MRC’s ScanPlast report.

November HDPE production in Russia grew to 63,700 tonnes from 46,400 tonnes a month earlier.

Kazanorgsintez and Stavrolen increased their capacity utilisation after scheduled shutdowns for maintenance.

Overall HDPE output reached 824,300 tonnes in January-November, compared to 906,800 tonnes a year earlier.

Only Kazanorgsintez increased its production, whereas other producers reduced their output for different reasons.

The structure of HDPE production by plants looked the following way over the stated period:

Kazanorgsintez’s total HDPE output grew to 46,500 tonnes in November from 16,800 tonnes a month earlier.

The Kazan plant shut down its production capacities for a turnaround from 12 September to 19 October. Its overall HDPE production was 460,200 tonnes in January-November, up by 5% year on year.

Stavrolen took off-stream its HDPE production for two-months of maintenance with modernisation of some of its facilities since mid-September. The resumption of HDPE production began only on 15 November.

The plant’s HDPE output reached 214,900 tonnes in the first 11 months of 2017, down by 14% year on year.

Gazprom neftekhim Salavat reduced its capacity utilisation in November. The plant shut down its production for a several-day turnaround at the beginning of the month.

Last month’s HDPE output was 7,700 tonnes compared to 11,800 tonnes in October. Overall HDPE production at the Bashkir plant reached 83,700 tonnes in January-Novemer 2017, down by 16% year on year.

This year’s low production was caused by a long shutdown for maintenance in July-August.

Nizhnekamskneftekhim almost completely focused on linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) production last month, whereas the plant’s HDPE output was 17,800 tonnes in October.

Its overall HDPE production was only 65,600 tonnes in January-November, compared to 117,900 tonnes a year earlier. Such a noticeable reduction in the output was caused by an increase in the share of LLDPE in total production.

MRC, a partner of ICIS, produces polymers news and pricing reports from Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan.