OREANDA-NEWS. April 24, 2012. In January-March, the total production of large volume polymers in Ukraine rose by more than one and half in comparison with the previous year and made 95,000 tonnes. The main growth in production volumes were provided by Karpatneftekhim, according to MRC analysts.

In March, the total production of large volume polymers (polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride and polystyrene) in Ukraine grew to 37,320 tonnes, the largest increase in of production fell on the output of polyvinyl chloride produced by Karpatneftekhim (Lukoil Group).

Karpatneftekhim continues to increase the production of polyvinyl chloride. Last month, the company increased PVC production to 20,000 tonnes, having increased its capacity utilization to 80%. Over the first three months 2012, the total production of PVC in Ukraine made a little more than 40,000 tonnes.

Karpatneftehim works with 100% of capacity utilization. In March, the total production of HDPE increased by 7% compared with the February index - up to 9,350 tonnes. Production of HDPE grew due to the calendar factor. In Q1, the production volume of polyethylene reached 27,500 tonnes.

In mid-March, Ukrainian producer of polypropylene (PP) Linik stopped oil refining. The production of PP had been suspended by the beginning of this week. Last month, the company produce about 6,400 tonnes of the polymer. In January-March, the total production of PP made about 20,800 tonnes, which 23% down year on year.

In March, the production of PP grew almost twofold. Last month Stirol resumed the production of general purpose polystyrene. The output of PP by Stirol production made 1,500 tonnes. In January-March, the output of PS made a little more than 2,600 tonnes, which by 56% down year in year.