Petronas Chemicals Aromatics Halts Paraxylene Production in Kartekh

Petronas Chemicals Aromatics, Malaysia's state-owned petrochemical behemoth, is strategically orchestrating a temporary shutdown of its paraxylene production facility in Kerteh, Malaysia, scheduled to commence at the end of November. This carefully planned hiatus is part of a broader initiative aimed at scheduled maintenance, designed to elevate the efficiency and reliability of the production facility. The facility, boasting a considerable capacity of 550 thousand tons of paraxylene annually, will undergo an extensive three-week maintenance period.

In conjunction with this, Petronas Chemicals Aromatics had previously communicated its intention to suspend benzene production in Kerteh, Malaysia, as part of the scheduled maintenance activities. This specific production unit, endowed with an annual capacity of 200 thousand tons of benzene, is slated for repairs spanning a duration of 40-50 days.

Paraxylene, a crucial component in the production of Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), plays a pivotal role in various industries, from packaging to textiles. Hence, the meticulous planning of scheduled maintenance for the paraxylene production facility underscores Petronas Chemicals Aromatics' commitment to ensuring the reliability and optimal performance of its indispensable production units.

Insights derived from the analysis provide valuable context to the industry landscape, indicating a notable increase in the consumption of PET from January to August of the current year. The estimated total consumption experienced a noteworthy 17% surge compared to the corresponding period in the previous year, reaching an impressive volume of 833.74 thousand tons. This surge substantiates the escalating demand for PET, accentuating the strategic importance of maintaining a robust paraxylene production infrastructure.

Petronas, as a government-owned entity in Malaysia, stands as a prominent player in the oil, gas, and petrochemical sectors. With a distinguished position in the Global Fortune 500, Petronas currently maintains a robust presence in markets across more than 60 countries globally. The planned maintenance activities for its paraxylene and benzene production units align seamlessly with Petronas' overarching commitment to operational excellence and sustainability across its diverse portfolio.

In essence, the temporary shutdown of paraxylene production in Kerteh for scheduled maintenance exemplifies Petronas Chemicals Aromatics' unwavering dedication to ensuring the reliability and efficiency of its critical production facilities. This proactive approach not only adheres to industry best practices but also accentuates Petronas' pivotal role as a key player in shaping Malaysia's dynamic petrochemical landscape. With the global demand for PET on a continual rise, the strategic planning of maintenance activities assumes paramount importance in sustaining a resilient and responsive petrochemical industry.