PP production in Russia decreased by 1% in January-October

MOSCOW (MRC)–Russia’s overall production of polypropylene (PP) remained relatively flat in January-October, only falling by 1% year on year.

Russia’s overall PP production reached 1.15m tonnes in the first ten months of 2018, compared to 1.16m tonnes a year earlier. SIBUR Tobolsk and Ufaorgsintez were the only companies whose output was reduced compared to the same period last year.

October output of polypropylene by local producers decreased to 75,700 tonnes against 118,800 tonnes a month earlier, with the majority of the decrease resulting from shutdowns at Ufaorgsintez, Poliom, SIBUR Tobolsk and Stavrolen.

SIBUR Tobolsk shut capacities for the turnaround in October, therefore, total polypropylene production was 8,400 tonnes against 45,600 tonnes in September. The Tobolsk plant’s total PP production reached 373,600 tonnes in the first ten months of 2018, down by 11% year on year. The decline in production was a result of two shutdowns for scheduled maintenances this year.

Omsk Poliom (Titan) produced about 11,600 tonnes in October compared to 18,000 tonnes a month earlier. The plant shut PP production capacities for a 10-day turnaround in early October. Total PP production at the plant over the reported period was about 177,600 tonnes, up 2% year on year.

Nizhnekamskneftekhim produced 18,800 tonnes of propylene polymers in October versus 18,300 tonnes a month earlier. The producer’s PP output increased to 179,500 tonnes in January-October compared with 175,300 tonnes year on year.

In October, Tomskneftekhim produced about 12,800 tonnes against 11,900 tonnes a month earlier. In the first ten months of 2018, the plant produced 116,500 tonnes, practically the same as in 2017.

Ufaorgsintez’s PP output fell to about 3,500 tonnes in October from 6,200 tonnes a month earlier. The producer shut down its production capacities for a month long turnaround on 20 September. At the same time, due to limitations in raw materials after repairs, capacity utilisation was cut. Overall output of polymer at the Ufa plant rose to 98,200 tonnes in January-October 2018, compared to 102,300 tonnes a year earlier.

Neftekhimiya (Kapotnya) last month produced about 11,900 tonnes of PP, compared with 9,400 tonnes in September. The plant’s overall PP output reached 111,000 tonnes over the stated period, up 28% year on year.

PP production at Stavrolen (LUKOIL) reached 8,700 tonnes in October against 9,500 tonnes a month earlier, with the reduction in production resulting from a halt for a week-long turnaround. Overall production of propylene polymers at the Budenovsk plant reached 92,300 tonnes in the first ten months of 2018 against 85,000 tonnes year on year.

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