LyondellBasell has declared a force majeure on linear low density polyethylene following unexpected mechanical issues at plants in Texas and Illinois, according to a Wednesday letter to customers obtained by Platts.
The force majeure went into effect Tuesday, the letter stated. The company said it experienced mechanical difficulties Tuesday at its plants in La Porte, Texas, and in Morris, Illinois.
The nature of the mechanical issues was not clear. LyondellBasell spokeswoman Faye Eson declined to comment Wednesday, citing company policy of not speaking about operational issues.
In the force majeure letter, the company said it was still working to determine the full impact of the issues.
"Additional information will be provided once we have assessed our ability to supply," the letter stated. "Though the extent of the impact has not yet been fully defined, we are issuing this notification as soon as possible to ensure that you are aware of the situation."
The La Porte plant has an annual LLDPE capacity of 355,166 mt/year and the Morris facility has an annual LLDPE capacity of 295,292 mt/year.
