LPG In Asia Less Attractive As Petchem Feedstock Amid Narrowing Propane-Naphtha Spread

LPG in Asia less attractive as petchem feedstock amid narrowing propane-naphtha spread

05-Nov-16

Asian LPG has become less attractive to North Asian petrochemical producers as steam cracker feedstock as the spread between propane and naphtha narrows, market sources in Platts. Naphtha is the mainstay petrochemical feedstock in Asia for steam crackers, but producers switch to LPG -- which typically comprises propane and butane -- as an alternative if its price is around 90% of naphtha, or when LPG is more than $50/mt cheaper than naphtha.

The physical CFR Japan propane spread to CFR Japan naphtha stood at minus US$39.25/mt at the Asian close Thursday, the narrowest in nearly 7 months. The spread was last narrower on April 18 when it was minus US$38.50/mt, S&P Global Platts data showed.
The physical spread between propane and naphtha was at minus US$62.875/mt on November 1, but was minus US$39.25/mt Thursday as LPG prices held steady while crude plunged. The butane-naphtha spread was even narrower at minus US$2.25/mt Thursday, with butane assessed US$37/mt higher than propane. In the swaps market, the spread between the December Argus Far East Index propane swap and the December Platts CFR Japan naphtha swap was minus US$41/mt Thursday. "We are always a buyer if the naphtha-LPG spread is wide," said a source with a petrochemical producer. "$40s is not enough," he said, referring to the spread between naphtha and LPG.

LPG consumption at Formosa Petrochemicals' steam cracker in Mailiao was at 15-20% of total feedstock in October, and the company plans to maintain it at this level this month too after having secured two spot cargoes for November delivery, a source with knowledge of the matter said. But LPG consumption may decrease in December.

Demand for December-delivery propane was high, mainly from traders and oil majors looking to cover short positions. Demand for propane typically spikes during winter. End-user demand is seen mostly from China, with Japanese and South Korean buyers still largely quiet. Buyers were said to be waiting on the sidelines as crude prices continue to fall. They were likely to emerge to replenish stockpiles once crude prices became more stable, sources said.