Russia's Jan-Sept HDPE output down 5% year on year

Russia’s January-September production of high density polyethylene (HDPE) fell by 5% year on year with three producers out of four reducing output, according to MRC’s ScanPlast report.

Overall HDPE output reached 695,200 tonnes in the first nine months of 2019, compared to 731,700 tonnes in the same period a year earlier.

A slight increase in Kazanorgsintez’s production could not offset the decrease in the three other producers’ output.

September HDPE production in Russia decreased to 45,900 tonnes from 84,300 tonnes a month earlier, caused by maintenance shutdowns at Stavrolen and Kazanorgsintez’s production sites.

Kazanorgsintez’s HDPE production fell to 32,200 tonnes in September from 50,800 tonnes a month earlier. The Kazan producer shut down its production for a turnaround from 26 September to 20 October. It’s overall HDPE output reached 401,500 tonnes in January-September, up by 1% year on year.

Stavrolen produced 3,400 tonnes last month compared to 28,200 tonnes in August. The Budyonovsk producer shut its production for maintenance from 6 September to 18 October. The plant’s overall output reached 214,200 tonnes over the stated period, down by 4% year on year.

Gazprom neftekhim Salavat increased its capacity utilisation in September with the plant’s total production growing to 10,200 tonnes from 5,400 tonnes a month earlier.

The low output in the last month of summer was caused by the delayed completion of maintenance works. The Bashkir plant’s overall HDPE production reached 77,000 tonnes in the first nine months of 2019, down by 14% year on year.

Nizhnekamskneftekhim produced exclusively linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) over the stated period.