processing...

Blog Details

Steam cracker turnaround season intensifies demand woes  | Reforming spread narrows 17.3% on week

Steam cracker turnaround season intensifies demand woes | Reforming spread narrows 17.3% on week

Apr 25, 2023

- Steam cracker turnaround season intensifies demand woes- Reforming spread narrows
17.3% on week





Asian naphtha market activity was thin
April 24 as the complex grapples with poor downstream demand and weak olefin
margins. Market participants have adopted a wait-and-see stance as global
recession fears looms amid a steam cracker turnaround season. The front month
May East-West swap spread -- the premium that CFR Japan naphtha commands over
the CIF Northwest Europe equivalent, and a key indicator of arbitrage viability
-- flat at the Asian close April 21 and up $11.50/mt on the week. The front month East-West spread was last in
positive territory March 17 at $2-3/mt. Brokers
pegged the front month May East-West swap spread at minus 50 cents/mt during
midmorning trading April 24. "The rebound in the East-West swap spread...

Exclusive market movement data, shipping lineups, demand signals and pricing rationale continue in full report.

Unlock complete article access with a paid account.

Continue Reading With Membership

This is a preview. Login and activate a paid plan to read the complete article.

Login to Continue