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Thailand’s PTT unexpectedly shuts LLDPE unit

  • Mercados: Petrochemicals
  • 07/10/21

Thailand's state-owned petrochemical producer PTT Global Chemical (PTTGC) has unexpectedly shut its No.2 400,000 t/yr linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) unit because of production issues, with the shutdown expected to last up until mid-October.

The producer is expected to reduce LLDPE exports to its southeast Asian contract buyers by up to 50pc in the fourth quarter of this year, according to market sources. The shutdown since around 25 September will further tighten LLDPE supplies in its key export markets of China and southeast Asia, as well as in Thailand's domestic market.

LLDPE prices in China and southeast Asia held stable in the third quarter as concerns about rising new supplies and weaker downstream demand kept converters buying on need-to basis.

But the LLDPE market took a turn when prices began rebounding in late September, as well as with Asian market participants expecting prices to remain firm or rise further because of tighter supplies, increased import interest and firm feedstock costs. Prices of naphtha, the main feedstock for Asian petrochemicals producers, rose to $754/t cfr Japan on 6 October, a level not seen since October 2014.

Southeast Asian LLDPE demand has been gradually recovering since September with the easing of Covid-19 lockdown restrictions in certain countries as outbreaks are brought under control, allowing regional converters to increase downstream operations, although some continued to face manpower shortages.

PTTGC is expected to also shut its other polyethylene (PE) units for planned maintenance in the fourth quarter, but it remains to be seen if tighter supplies and increased buying interest for PE in Asia will prompt the producer to postpone some shutdowns. The producer already postponed maintenance at certain PE units planned for August-October, likely because of manpower shortages.

PTTGC is expected to shut its sole 300,000 t/yr low-density PE unit at the end of October for a 15-day maintenance and its 300,000 t/yr high-density PE unit in November for a 40-day maintenance. Its No.1 400,000 t/yr LLDPE unit is expected to be shut for a 20-day planned maintenance in December.

Preliminary Argus assessments for dutiable and duty-free LLDPE film prices were at $1,240-1,260/t and $1,280-1,300/t cfr southeast Asia respectively today.


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