Toluene-fed chemical production margins Tuesday were higher week on week amid gains seen across the aromatics complex, S&P Global Platts data showed.
Hydrodealkylation (HDA) margins rose $44.21 on the week and were estimated at $62.35/mt as of close of business. Toluene disproportionation margins (TDP) rose $68.47 to $89.91/mt Mobil source toluene disproportionation (MSTDP) margins gained $15.12 week on week to close at $95.93/mt.
Benzene was again a significant driver in the gains seen this week as spot benzene values in the US have risen 27 cents ($80.81/mt) in the past week to be assessed at 292 cents/gal ($874/mt) DDP USG. Further support was seen from mixed xylene prices, which were up 16 cents/gal ($48.78/mt) to finish at 212 cents/gal ($646.38/mt) as stronger RBOB gasoline prices lent support. US paraxylene prices were up $20 on the week, assessed at $795/mt FOB USG.
Participants however continued to eye blend values, which were estimated at near 216 cents/gal ($658.58/mt). Some participants said that current pricing would likely discourage extraction as US mixed xylene ranges for April barrels seen Wednesday morning at 210-215 cents/gal.
