S. Korea's SK Energy to curtail op rates by 20-25% at its naphtha cracker

Following the reduction in operating rates by several Japanese petrochemical firms, South Korean energy firm, SK Energy has decided to curtail the operating rates by 20-25% at its No.1 naphtha cracker having a total capacity of 185,000 tpa. However, the firm will continue to operate its No.2 cracker at full capacity. The slashing operating rates in and around Asia comes in the light of surplus naphtha in the regional market and a sluggish demands for ethylene.