OREANDA-NEWS. April 23, 2012. In Q1, the volume of chemical production in Russia fell by 0.6%, the output of resin and plastic products grew by 2.8%, according to MRC analysts.

In March, the volume of chemical production in Russia grew by 1% year on year, according to Rosstat. In Q1, the production of chemicals fell by 0.6%. The largest decline in output fell on propylene, polypropylene and polyethylene (due to the accident at Stavrolen) and mineral fertilizers.

Last month, the production of mineral fertilizers (in terms of 100% of the basic substance) made 1,568 tonnes, 14% up than in February. In Q1, the production of mineral fertilizers decreased by 8% year on year. The production of caustic soda (in terms of 100% the basic substance) in March reached 94,800 tonnes. Over the first three months, of production of caustic soda rose by 8.2%.

In March, the production of ethylene and propylene made 202,000 tonnes and 96,800 tonnes, respectively. In January-March, the total  production of ethylene and propylene decreased by 8% and 15% respectively year on year. The decline in production was due to an accident at Stavrolen in December. The production of styrene made 46,500 tonnes, styrene production grew by 0.9%.

The production of polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene and polyvinyl chloride last month reached 126,000 tonnes, 52,900 tonnes, 27,100 tonnes and 63,700 tonnes, respectively. In Q1, the production large volume polymers in Russia fell by 4%.

In March, the output of plastic products grew by 2.3% year on year. Production of pipes, fittings and hoses increased to 35,600 tonnes; plates, films and sheets unreinforced  - to 66,900 tonnes; plates, films and porous sheets – to 13,500 tonnes, windows, boxes and polymer window sills  - to 1.4 million sq.m.

In general, over the first three months, the production of plastic products increased by 3%. The production of pipes, fittings and hoses made 99,100 tonnes (up 7%), plates, films and sheets unreinforced – 170,200 tonnes (up 4%), plates, films and porous sheets -36,900 tonnes (up 20%); windows, boxes, polymer window sills - 3.2 million square meters (up 22%).