Corrects ethane cracker's operational status in paragraph 4
Indian private-sector producer Reliance Industries (RIL) is expected to reduce petrochemical output at its 580,000 b/d Jamnagar complex, according to market participants.
The reduction in operating rates will follow a maintenance of its upstream refining units. One of the crude distillation units (CDUs) at its export-oriented Jamnagar refinery is likely having maintenance during September-October, according to traders.
Overall run rates of aromatics units are expected to fall to 60pc in September and October. RIL is a regular exporter of paraxylene (PX), benzene, polyethylene (PE), and polypropylene (PP).
Its ethane cracker, capable of producing 1.5mn t/yr of ethylene, remains operational. The firm will reduce the operating rates of its polymers units to 40pc.
The producer said that it has taken the necessary steps to ensure that local supplies remain unaffected. But exports are likely to dip, with the producer choosing to prioritise local markets during the output cut because of higher netbacks.
RIL operates two aromatics plants at Jamnagar capable of producing 4.1mn t/yr of PX and 1.1mn t/yr of benzene. The facility is integrated with a 1.24mn b/d refinery, making it the world's largest refining and petrochemical hub.
RIL produces 600,000 t/yr of linear low-density PE and high-density PE at its swing plant in Jamnagar, along with 450,000 t/yr of low-density PE. Jamnagar also houses a 2.1mn t/yr PP plant.
