- Sasol’s spot earnings for FY21 and FY22 were flat this week as lower oil prices and a stronger rand were offset by higher refining margins. Refining margins remain well below long run averages. Spot earnings for FY21 are at R27.10 and at R43.53 for FY22.
- Chemical prices in Asia were generally weaker and only ethylene prices were higher. US ethylene prices were lower as crackers ramp up but polyethylene prices continue to surge higher.
Global chemical news
- China has entered its heavy turnaround season this month, with around 3mn t/yr of polyethylene (PE) capacity at domestic plants being shut or to be shut down for maintenance (link).
- Occidental Petroleum and the biotechnology firm Cemvita Factory plan to build a bioethylene pilot plant that will produce the monomer from man made carbon dioxide (CO2) (link).