Maruzen Petrochemical in Japan shut down its ethylene unit with an annual capacity of 480,000mt on May 10 since demand for petrochemical products such as ethylene and propylene was expected to decrease in line with maintenance activities in downstream in the complex. Naphtha is not in shortage. A spokesperson told it to Rim Intelligence.

The company is considering to restart the ethylene unit in early July, but it is not fixed. Meanwhile, Keiyo Ethylene, a joint venture by Maruzen and Sumitomo Chemical, continues running its ethylene unit with the capacity of 690,000mt, so that Maruzen is said to be able to secure enough volume for supplies.