Pemex's production of ethylene fell in April, snapping a streak of four consecutive months of increased output, the Mexican state company said Friday.
Pemex's ethylene production declined by 7,188 mt, or 12.9%, from March to April, which at 48,691 mt had the second-lowest total output of 2017. The year-on-year decrease was 6,618 mt, or 12%, when compared with April 2016.
The majority of Pemex's ethylene production is used in-house for downstream derivatives, including ethylene oxide, monoethylene glycol and several grades of polyethylene.
Pemex operates a pair of ethylene steam crackers at Morelos and Cangrejera, with each unit boasting a nameplate capacity of 600,000 mt/year. The company estimates its total annual ethylene production at 500,000 mt.
The company's propylene output also fell in April after back-to-back monthly increases, the company added. Last month's propylene output totaled 1,046 mt, down 83 mt, or 7.4%, from March and down 150 mt, or 12.5%,from April 2016.
Pemex also has stake in the PMV joint venture with Mexican polyvinyl chloride producer Mexichem, operating a cracker in Pajaritos, Veracruz state.
That cracker, however, has been out of commission for more than a year following a April 2016, explosion. It will remain shut down until a final accident report is produced, Mexichem CEO Antonio Carrillo said late last month.
