Naphtha
Japan's ethylene plant run rate hits record low of 68.6% in March
Japan has 12 ethylene plants that crack naphtha, a crude oil byproduct, into basic chemicals such as ethylene and propylene, which are used to make intermediates like resins for a wide range of end products.
Venezuela's refineries down to 31% of crude processing capacity
The South American country has increased oil output and exports since it agreed to a flagship supply pact with the U.S. government in January, but limited power service, outages and need for major repairs and maintenance are creating obstacles to recovering refining operations.
Japan to boost intermediate chemical imports amid tighter naphtha supply
About 40% of domestic naphtha consumption is met by domestic production, with another 40% sourced from the Middle East and 20% from other regions, but the war in the Middle East has made imports from that region difficult.
U.S. naphtha exports surge to record high on Japanese, Venezuelan buying
South Korea's LG Chem to import Russian naphtha
The country's Industry Ministry had earlier confirmed the shipment, including its size, but did not disclose the importing company's name.
Iran war chokes petrochemical supply, sends plastic prices soaring
About $20 B–$25 B worth of petrochemical products pass through the Strait annually, underscoring the fact that continued disruptions to this flow would push producers to pass the higher costs on to consumers.
South Korea enforces naphtha export ban amid Middle East supply disruptions
The move requires refiners to divert export volumes to the local market and give the government powers to order production and allocation of naphtha, a key petrochemical feedstock used in chips, autos, plastics and everyday goods.
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