PTT Phenol to meet production goals

Thailand’s PTT Phenol expects to achieve on-spec phenol and acetone production from its new plant at Map Ta Phut, a source close to the company said. The company had hoped to obtain this earlier, but was impeded by a leak on a supply pipeline. PTT Aromatics and Refining will supply it benzene feedstock. PTT Phenol will not offer phenol and acetone cargoes on the spot market due to weak downstream bisphenol-A and polycarbonate demand, choosing instead to focus on contract commitments. The Thai company’s start-up comes as its counterparts across Asia rein in production or schedule turnarounds to help reduce their current stocks of acetone and phenol. (December 2, 2008)