Czech crude imports January to May 2026

Imports of crude into the Czech Republic amounted to 2.587 million tons in January to May 2026 against 2.525 million tons in January to May 2025.  Imports from Azerbaijan totalled 817,600 tons against 1.194 million tons in January to May last year.  Replacing Russian sources, imports from Norway amounted to 520,000 tons in January to May 2026 and 787,500 tons from Saudi Arabia.

Hungarian crude imports January to May 2026

Imports of crude into Hungary amounted to only 801,300 tons in the first five months this year against 2.381 million tons in the same period in 2025.  The fall was due to the disruptions incurred on the Druzhba pipeline.  Hungary was able to import only 249,900 tons from Russia in the first five months against 2.1967 million tons last year.  Other supplies came from Slovakia which had used the JANAF pipeline from Croatia.  Slovakia is negotiating a minimum 10-year gas supply contract with Azerbaijan in an effort to diversify Bratislava’s energy sources, although logistical hurdles need to be resolved. 

Crude price overview

Crude oil prices continue to fluctuate around depending on military attacks between the US and Iran and any potential talks.  Supply seems to have remained stable despite the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.  When the Strait of Hormuz was effectively closed at the end of February, the first forecasts were dramatic. Europe appeared particularly exposed because it imported far more aviation fuel than it produced and had relied heavily on supplies originating in the Middle East.

Firstly, suppliers found ways around the crisis and then refineries then changed what they produced. European plants increased the share of each barrel converted into aviation fuel, pushing regional jet fuel yields to record levels.  Europe imported additional fuel from the United States, Canada, Nigeria, India and South Korea. Saudi Arabia increased shipments from its Red Sea port of Yanbu, allowing fuel to bypass Hormuz altogether.

Polish crude imports January to May 2026

Poland imported 9.332 million tons of crude in January to May 2026 against 10.194 million tons in the same period last year. Saudi Arabia and Norway were the two largest suppliers followed by Guyana.  Prices averaged €520.2 per ton in January to May against €513.6 per ton last year.  The oil price rise in March following the first US attacks on Iran has intensified and prices look set to remain high well into 2027.

Saudi Aramco has been using the Red Sea port of Yanbu to export crude oil after the war restricted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Orlen is supplied via the port.  Around 40% of the oil processed by Orlen is supplied by Saudi Aramco.

Central European petrochemical production January to May 2026

Ethylene production in Poland amounted to 123,569 tons in January to May 2026 against 118,500 tons in January to May 2025.  Polish propylene production dropped slightly from 166,100 tons to 159,177 tons.  

Butadiene production at Plock dropped from 24,378 tons to 20,403 tons in January to May 2026.  Nearly all of the butadiene produced at Plock is consumed by Synthos.  In other areas of petrochemical production phenol was mot carried out in January or February.

In the plastics sector polyethylene production in Poland amounted to 110,100 tons in January to May 2026 versus 124,100 tons in January to May 2025.  Polypropylene production in Poland dropped from 183,100 tons to 132,600 tons, the fall largely due to the continued stoppage at the Police plant.  PVC production at Wloclawek increased from 41,300 tons in January to May 2025 to 86,700 tons in the first five months this year. 

Polish monomer import prices Jan-May 2026

Polish monomer import prices for butadiene, propylene and styrene showed significant rises in April and May this year in correlation with crude prices.  Propylene prices reached €1319 per ton in May against €703 per ton in January, whilst butadiene increased from €645 per ton to €1248 per ton. 

Styrene monomer import prices for Poland in January to May 2026 averaged €1092.1 per ton which was down from €1198.2 in January to May 2025.

Hungarian propylene and butadiene imports, January to May 2026

Exports of propylene from Hungary amounted to only 13,208 tons in January to May 2026 against 38,496 tons in January to May 2025.  Prices dropped sharply from €1047.5 per ton to €917.8 per ton.  All of the propylene this year went to Slovnaft.

Hungarian butadiene exports amounted to 16,722 tons in the first five months against 19,032 tons in January to May 2025.    Average prices for Hungarian butadiene exports dropped to €865.0 per ton from €928.3 per ton.  Poland was the main recipient in January to May 2026.

Styrene imports into Hungary totalled 21,848 tons in January to May 2026 against 32,410 tons in the first five months last year, with Italy providing the largest share.   The price for imported styrene into Hungary was €1372.7 per ton against €1307.2 per ton last year.  Styrene imports into Hungary declined from 54,716 tons in 2025 against 58,603 tons in 2024.  Average prices fell to €1018.7 per ton against €1403.1 per ton in 2024. 

zech polyethylene trade January to May 2026

For imports of all forms of polyethylene, Czech inward shipments amounted to 127,620 tons in January to May against 128,903 tons in January to May 2025. 

Average prices rose from €1501.4 per ton in the first five months to €1682.9 per ton in 2026.  Germany is the largest source of polyethylene imports, followed by the Netherlands and Belgium. 

Polyethylene exports from the Czech Republic amounted to 154,540 tons in January to May 2026 against 169,359 tons the first five months last year.  Average prices increased from €1392.2 per ton to 1523.1 per ton in 2026.

HDPE export shipments from Litvinov comprised 129,878 tons against 143,908 tons in the same period in 2025.  Germany was the largest destination for Czech HDPE supplied from Litvinov.  Other important markets for Czech polyethylene exports include Poland, Italy and Belgium.

Polish polyethylene trade January to May 2026

Polish imports of polyethylene totalled 634,758 tons in January to May 2026 against 567,640 tons in the same period in 2025, with average prices rising from €1310.6 per ton to €1370.3 per ton.  Supplies from Saudi Arabia have been important in the past year and to date have not been affected the Middle East crisis.

HDPE is the largest category of imported polyethylene into Poland, amounting to 208,008 tons in January to May 2026 versus 179,530 tons in January to May last year. 

LLDPE imports increased from 89,326 tons in January to May 2025 to 103,031 tons in the corresponding period in 2026.  Most of the LLDPE imports were sourced from West Europe, including France, the Netherlands and Germany.  LDPE imports rose to 145,056 tons versus 160,424 tons in January to May 2025.  Imports from ethylene alpha olefins rose from 120,001 tons to 128,129 tons.

Polish polyethylene exports amounted to 105,427 tons in January to May 2026, down from 131,222 tons in January to May last year.  Average prices for polyethylene exports from Poland increased marginally this year to €1238.2 per ton versus €1143.4 per ton last year.

Hungarian polyethylene trade January to May 2026

Hungarian polyethylene exports amounted to 111,038 tons in January to May 2026 against 161,072 tons in January to May 2025, whilst average prices rising from €1216.4 per ton to €1447.8 per ton. 

In terms of category HDPE exports amounted to 93,269 tons in January to May 2026 versus 112,597 tons in January to May 2025, whilst LDPE exports dropped from 23,191 tons to 11,660 tons.   

Imports of all grades of polyethylene into Hungary amounted to 69,018 tons in January to May 2026 against 57,727 tons in January to May 2025.  Hungarian import prices for polyethylene rose from €1578.4 per ton to €1697.8 in 2026.  The largest category of polyethylene imports comprised HDPE, which increased from 24,333 tons to 28,746 tons. 

Polish PP Trade January to May 2026

Polish polypropylene imports, including homo grade and copolymers, amounted to 441,876 tons in the first five months against 397,698 tons in January to May last year, with prices declining from €1459.3 per ton to €1417.9 per ton.   Homo grade polypropylene imports rose from 255,530 tons in January to May 2025 against 289,738 tons in January to May 2026, whilst copolymer imports increased from 131,642 tons to 138,816 tons.

Exports of homo polymer grade polypropylene from Poland amounted to 95,317 tons in January to May 2026 against 75,741 tons in January to May 2025.  

Hungarian polypropylene trade January to May 2026

Exports of all forms of polypropylene from Hungary amounted to 84,937 in January to May 2026 versus 100,761 tons in January to May 2025, with average prices adjusting to €1473.0 per ton from €1327.2 last year.  Homo-grade PP provides the main category of Hungarian polypropylene exports, amounting to 44,586 tons versus 52,103 tons in January to May 2025.  

Hungarian inward shipments of polypropylene dropped to 85,470 tons in January to May 2026 against 81,207 tons in January to May 2025, with average prices rising from €1369.5 per ton to €1596.2 per ton.  Imports of propylene copolymers rose from 18,105 tons to 20,534 tons.

Czech polypropylene trade January to May 2026

Exports of all forms of polypropylene from the Czech Republic amounted to 130,425 tons in the first five months this year versus 99,422 tons in January to May 2025, with average prices rising from €1462.8 per ton to €1506.4 per ton.  

For imports of all forms of polypropylene, Czech inward shipments amounted to 227,739 tons in January to May 2026 from 174,532 tons in January to May 2025, with average prices rising to €1601.1 per ton. 

Czech butadiene rubber trade January to May 2026

The Czech Republic exported 50,967 tons of butadiene rubber in January to May 2026 against 48,719 tons in the same period in 2025.  Poland was the largest destination for Czech exports, amounting to 8,046 tons in the first five months this year against 6,200 tons in the same period in 2025.  Average prices for butadiene rubber dropped from €1947.4 per ton to €1852.4 per ton.  

In overall synthetic rubber trade the Czech Republic imported 79,443 tons in January to May 2026 against 60,804 tons in the same period in 2025, whilst exports rose from 58,444 tons in the first five months last year to 58,425 tons in January to May 2026.  Imports were supplemented by natural rubber where imports increased from 33,913 tons to 35,325 tons.

Hungarian synthetic rubber trade January to May 2026

Hungarian imports of synthetic rubber amounted to 56,370 tons in January to May 2026 against 62,135 tons in January to May 2025.  Butadiene rubber imports into Hungary amounted to 21,835 tons against 23,881 tons with the largest source coming from Indonesia.  SBR imports into Hungary dropped from 34,900 tons to 17,353 tons. 

Synthetic rubber exports from Hungary amounted to 25,870 tons in January to May 2026 down from 40,670 tons in the same period in 2025.  SBR grades accounted for 8,468 tons in the first five months and butadiene rubber 22,049 tons.  Prices rose from €2465.9 per ton last year to €2750.1 per ton. 

Polish synthetic rubber trade January to May 2026

Export shipments of synthetic rubber from Poland rose from 74,792 tons in the first five months last year to 77,098 tons in 2026, whilst imports rose slightly from 117,922 tons to 120,562 tons. 

By category, butadiene rubber was the largest product to be imported into Poland in the first five months amounting to 16,564 tons followed by EPDM which amounted to 11,224 tons.  

Exports of butadiene rubber from Poland rose in January to May 2026 to 25,810 tons against 20,587 tons in the first five months last year.  At the same time SBR exports dropped from 88,618 tons to 85,791 tons.  Production takes place at Oswiecim.   

Export prices dropped from €1740.2 per ton in the first five months in 2025 to €1645.0 per ton this year.  Prices in the second quarter were higher due to the side-effects of the Hormuz crisis. 

Prices in May amounted to €2030 per ton in May compared to €1448 per ton in January this year. Although demand is relatively stagnant in Europe.

Polish benzene exports January to May 2026

Polish exports of benzene totalled 94,099 tons in January to May 2026 against 69,995 tons in January to May last year.  Benzene exports were focused on Germany where 51,480 tons were shipped in the first five months and 17,902 tons to the Czech Republic. Prices in January to May this year amounted to €887.0 against €815.0 per ton.   Prices are closely correlated with the rise in crude prices. 

Exports of PTA from Poland amounted to 152,913 tons in January to May 2026 against 113,535 tons in January to May 2025.  Prices fell from €730 per ton last year to €723 per ton in the first five months in 2026 although €860 was recorded in May. Shipments to Germany jumped from 104,304 tons to 144,054 tons.

Polish aromatic imports January to May 2026

Average prices for phenol imported into Poland dropped to €1003.5 per ton against €1059.9 per ton in January to May 2025.  Phenol imports into Poland amounted to 57,341 tons in January to May against 40,447 tons in the same period in 2025.  Germany remains the dominant supplier of phenol to Poland.  Imports increased this year due to the shutdown at the Plock plant.

In other areas of aromatic imports styrene shipments increased from 44,204 tons in the first five months in 2025 against 50,028 tons in January to May this year.  TDI imports increased from 28,039 tons to 29,719 tons.

Czech aromatic trade January to May 2026

Benzene imports into the Czech Republic amounted to 12,289 tons in the first five months this year against 9,564 tons in January to May 2025, whilst exports of benzene increased from 11,486 tons to 15,915 tons. 

Aniline exports shipped from the Czech Republic amounted to 32,128 tons in January to May 2026 against 50,832 tons in the same period last year.  Ethylbenzene exports from the Czech Republic increased from 42,584 tons to 43,474 tons.

Hungarian aromatic trade January to May 2026

Hungarian benzene exports in January to May amounted to 2,412 tons against 15,510 tons in January to May 2025.  Benzene production in Hungary takes place at the Danube refinery at Szazhalombatta.  Export prices amounted to €908.4 in the first five months in 2026 against €623.6 in the same period last year.   

Imports of benzene increased from 20,970 tons in the first five months in 2025 to 30,098 tons in January to May 2026.  Imports from Poland increased from 11,345 tons to 12,670 tons whilst other shipments arrived from Serbia and Slovakia.  Prices increased from €712.7 per ton against €820.9 per ton in 2026.

Hungarian TDI-MDI exports January to May 2026

Hungarian TDI exports fell from 81,109 tons in the first five months in 2025 to 45,466 tons in January to May this year.  Average prices dropped from €1985.1 per ton to €1824.8 per ton.  For raw materials for TDI production BorsodChem sources toluene from MOL which is supplemented by imports. 

In the Central Europe region shipments of TDI from Hungary to Poland dropped from 3,690 tons in January to May 2025 to 3,535 tons in the same month in 2026 and to Turkey shipments were reduced from 11,837 tons to 6,296 tons.  Shipments to Romania dropped slightly from 2,704 tons to 2,669 tons.  The major user of TDI in Romania is Chimcomplex where production fell in 2025 due to weak demand. 

In West Europe exports of TDI from Hungary to Belgium dropped from 19,804 tons to 6,988 tons in January to May 2026, whilst volumes to Italy fell from 15,086 tons to 6,748 tons in the same period in 2025.

For the MDI sector, exports from Hungary amounted to 104,974 tons in January to May 2026 against 103,959 tons in January to May 2025.  MDI export prices dropped from €1851.5 per ton to 1684.0 per ton in 2026.  In terms of geographical breakdown, Poland was the largest destination for Hungarian MDI exports in January to May, accounting for 11,606 tons.  Exports to Germany amounted to 7,806 tons, Canada 7,981 tons, and Romania 8,166 tons. 

TDI imports into Poland amounted to 29,489 tons in January to May against 32,767 tons in January to May 2025.  Prices of TDI imported into Poland rose from €2035.6 per ton to €2063.2 per ton.  Hungary was the largest supplier, shipping 14,995 tons to Poland followed by 7,666 tons to Germany. 

MDI imports into Poland totalled 71,861 tons in January to May 2026 against 55,903 tons in January to May 2025.   Average prices dropped from €1894.0 per ton to €1774.3 in January to May 2026.

Germany increased MDI shipments to Poland to 22,752 tons in January to May 2026 against 22,684 tons in January to May 2025.  Imports from Hungary dropped to 13,147 tons against 17,609 tons in 2025.  Other suppliers included the Netherlands, Belgium and South Korea.

MDI imports into the Czech Republic totalled 16,060 tons in January to May 2026 against 17,069 tons in January to May 2025.  Average prices rose from €2045.9 per ton to €2080.2 per ton.    MDI imports into the Czech Republic totalled 40,430 tons in 2025 against 40,823 tons in 2024.  Average prices declined from €2059.7 per ton last year to €1858.5 per ton.   

The petrochemical inputs used in the foam production, namely polyols and isocyanates such as TDI and MDI, are only produced in a handful of global facilities. Because these materials originate in refineries and petrochemical hubs rather than furniture factories, any disruption upstream quickly ripples through to converters and bedding and mattress manufacturers.

Global production is highly concentrated, operated by companies such as BASF, Covestro (Germany), Wanhua (China) and Huntsman (US) supply most of the world. When one of these facilities goes offline the impact is immediate and widely felt. Many of the world’s largest polyol and isocyanate plants sit in climate-vulnerable regions, particularly the US Gulf Coast and parts of East Asia. Hurricanes, flooding, heatwaves and power grid failures routinely shut down production

Czech polyol imports January to May 2026

Czech polyol imports amounted to 22,381 tons in January to May 2026 against 21,464 tons in the same period in 2025, with average prices dropping from €2108.8 per ton to €2023.5 per ton.  The leading supplier to the Czech Republic was the Netherlands shipping 4,343 tons against 3,223 tons last year.     

Hungarian polyol imports January to May 2026

Imports of polyols into Hungary amounted in the first five months to 15,682 tons against 16,187 tons in the same period in 2025.  Imports from China amounted to 3,208 tons from 5,679 tons in January to May 2025.  Imports from the Netherlands increased from 4,094 tons to 3,423 tons.  Prices for polyol imports into Hungary amounted to €1803.4 down from €1865.7 per ton in the previous year. 

Polish polyol trade January to May 2026

Polish polyol imports amounted to 65,034 tons in January to May 2026 against 61,905 tons in the same period in 2025.  The Netherlands increased shipments from 12,320 tons to 14,052 tons, whilst Germany increased shipments from 13,801 tons to 15,443tons.  Polyol import prices into Poland fell from €1738.9 per ton to €1763.4 per ton. 

Poland remains a net importer of polyols, with the export focus on slightly higher value products than those imported.  Exports of polyols from Poland in January to May amounted to 22,142 tons against 22,693 tons in January to May 2025.  Prices rose from €1962.9 per ton to €2405.1 per ton.  Destinations for deliveries were focused mostly on Europe.

For polyether polyols, imports from Asia increased significantly in 2025, particularly South Korea, forcing PCC Rokita to introduce price reductions resulting in a decrease in profitability.  One of the main challenges for European polyether-polyol producers in 2025 is the efficiency of production costs.

Prices rose in successive months in the first five months in 2026 as the oil price impact fed through to the industry.  PCC Rokita argues that its competitive advantage on the market is based on many years of experience and capital built up over the years in the form of flexible production potential and competences of research and development departments.  In addition, PCC Rokita together with PCC Exol, through the joint company PCC BD, are building a new universal plant for the production of alkoxylates and other chemical compounds. The project is planned to be completed in 2028.

Hungarian maleic anhydride exports January to May 2026

Hungary exported 7,744 tons of maleic anhydride in January to May 2026 against 6,347 tons in January to May 2025.   Average prices dropped from €1401.8 per ton to €1318.2 per ton.  Hungary exported 15,280 tons of maleic anhydride in January to December against 22,802 tons in January to December 2024.  Average prices rose from €1209.0 per ton to €1257.8 per ton. 

Hungarian aniline & acrylonitrile imports January to May 2026

Aniline imports into Hungary rose from 26,090 tons in the first five months in 2025 to 28,910 tons in January to May 2026, all of which was supplied from the Czech Republic.  Cost prices of aniline imports rose from €1381.1 per ton to €1492.6 per ton.

Acrylonitrile imports dropped from 8,583 tons in the first five months in 2025 to 4,544 tons, with average prices rising from €1082.6 per ton to €1491.8 per ton.   Germany was the main supplier in 2026 replacing volumes from the Netherlands.

Polish glycol-oxide imports January to May 2026

Ethylene glycol prices underwent a rapid downward correction in May. The primary drivers were the dissipation of the Middle East geopolitical premium which triggered a collapse in production costs following a sharp plunge in crude oil prices compounded by weak downstream polyester demand, declining operating rates in the terminal weaving sector, and a high-level market pullback triggered by a concentrated exodus of capital.

Ethylene glycol imports into Poland rose in January to May 2026 to 17,826 tons from 10,873 tons in January to May last year.  Belgium is the main supplier of glycols to the Polish market.  DEG imports amounted to 15,591 tons in the first five months against 13,240 tons in the same period last year. 

Ethylene oxide imports into Poland totalled 9,974 tons in January to May 2026 versus 11,493 tons in the same period in 2025.   Germany currently represents the main source of inward shipments.  Ethylene oxide consumption in Poland is expected to increase after the completion of PCC Exol’s second line of the Ethoxylates II plant at Plock. 

Polish organic chemical trade January to May 2026

Poland imported 14,980 tons of acetic acid in January to May 2026 against 14,158 tons in the same period month last year.  The US provided 8,112 tons in the first five months with average prices dropping from €580.9 per ton to €545.8 per ton. 

Imports of ethyl acetate into Poland amounted to 7,050 tons in January to May 2026 against 5,219 tons in the same period last year.  Ethyl acetate imports into Poland amounted to 11,311 tons in 2025 against 14,276 tons in 2024.  VAM imports into Poland dropped to 9,981 tons versus 19,739 tons in the same period in 2025. In other areas of solvents imports of isopropanol dropped from 7,088 tons in the first five months in 2025 to 5,401 tons whilst maleic anhydride imports increased from 4,653 tons to 5,192 tons.

Regarding export activity in organic chemicals, Polish shipments of monochloroacetic acid (MCAA) amounted to 10,768 tons in the first five months against 16,106 tons in January to May last year.  MCAA production is undertaken by the PCC Group at Brzeg Dolny.    Polish shipments of MCAA amounted to 32,304 tons in 2025.  

Czech methanol imports January to May 2026

Czech imports of methanol amounted to 32,284 tons in the first five months in 2026 against 19,863 tons in the same period last year.  Poland provided 6,222 tons in the period January to May 2026 against 8,663 tons in the same period in 2025 whilst the US provided 17,010 tons against zero.

Hungarian methanol imports Jan-May 2026

Hungarian imports of methanol amounted to 46,533 tons in the five months in 2026 against 44,862 tons in the same period in 2025.   The main source of imports came from Germany where volumes totalled 27,370 tons in the first five months in 2026 versus 22,066 tons in the same period in 2025.  Methanol prices dropped from €505.6 per ton to €430 in 2026.

Polish methanol trade January to May 2026

Polish imports of methanol amounted to 296,155 tons in January to May 2026 against 265,901 tons in January to May 2025, with prices dropping to €342.8 per ton from €406.3 last year.  

The supply structure continues to shift with the US shipping 105,407 tons against 56,022 tons in the same period in 2025.  Norway providing 70,967 tons and Venezuela 53,141 tons in January to May 2026, against 34,547 tons and 26,824 tons respectively for both countries in January to May last year. 

Methanol prices for Central Europe started January at €330.1 per ton and even in March were still at €325.4 per ton.  April and May saw the impact of the Hormuz crisis take effect, rising to €445.0 per ton in April and €510 per ton per month in May.

 Exports of methanol from Poland amounted to 100,589 tons in January to May 2026, up from 79,070 tons in the first five months last year.  Average prices dropped from €453.0 per ton to €406.7 per ton. 

Germany is the largest export destination where volumes amounted to 42,601 tons in the first five months this year against 44,408 tons in the same period in 2025.  Exports to Slovakia amounted to 15,305 tons in the first five months, followed by 19,763 tons Czech Republic and 15,862 tons to Ukraine. 

Russian refinery attacks Jun-Jul 2026

Intensifying drone attacks on Russian refineries in the past few months have forced a halt in production at a number of plants, including Moscow, Perm, Ryazan, Kirishi, Tuapse, Volgograd, Kstovo, etc.  Refinery attacks in 2025 were just as frequent but largely restricted to minimum damage which meant that production was only marginally affected.  When production was forced to stop the outages were lasting just a few weeks. 

The situation is very different in 2026 with Ukraine’s ability to strike longer distance targets such as the Omsk refinery, as in early July, but also becoming capable of creating much more damage.  The restoration of the Tuapse refinery for instance could cost Russia around $5 billion. The Kapotnia refinery is out of action at least until 2027

Most refineries in the Western parts of Russia are unable to meet fuel demand which is causing major problems and difficulties with the supply of automotive fuel in Russia risk escalating into a large-scale economic challenge.   During the summer period, seasonal consumption of gasoline and diesel traditionally increases by about 10%, while the current supply is estimated to be almost 20% below the required level. Such an imbalance threatens the overall market deficit of up to 30%, which will inevitably start a chain reaction: from a rise in food prices to the forced transition of small aircraft to ordinary motor gasoline. 

The current situation demonstrates that interruptions in the fuel market launch a chain of interrelated problems throughout the economy. Rising fuel prices accelerate inflation, create risks to food security, and complicate the work of transport and industry. If the shortage drags on, it will inevitably lead to an increase in social tension in regions where residents are already facing restrictions and new price tags.

Impact of fuel crisis on agriculture

Agriculture was one of the first industries to take a hit.   Despite the statements that the situation remains under control, manufacturers report regular disruptions in the supply of diesel fuel.  Diesel is necessary for the operation of combines, tractors and grain carriers in the midst of the harvesting campaign. Any delay during this period threatens to lose part of the harvest due to adverse weather conditions and reduce the quality of grain.   With tighter fuel reserves and rising prices, agricultural enterprises face a sharp increase in costs.

Every stage is becoming more expensive, from tillage to transporting products to elevators. The cost of logistics, the delivery of mineral fertilisers, seeds, plant protection chemicals, as well as the necessary spare parts for equipment are growing.  According to economists, the cost of grain production may increase by 15-30%, which will be reflected in price tags in grocery stores in the future. Regarding production, ammonium nitrate declined from 5.138 million tons in the first five months last year to 4.668 million tons this year.

Aviation

An equally alarming situation is developing in civil aviation, where the shortage of aviation kerosene may become critical in the coming weeks.   In parallel with the shortage, a sharp rise in prices is recorded. Since the beginning of June, the cost of jet fuel at Russian airports has increased by an average of more than 17%.

Chemical industry: hidden shortage of raw materials

The consequences of the fuel crisis also affect the chemical industry, where petroleum products serve as a key raw material for the production of plastics, synthetic fabrics, fertilisers, household chemicals, medicines and packaging.  A decrease in refining volumes at oil refineries automatically leads to a shortage of the necessary components for chemical enterprises.  Factories are forced to reduce production or switch to more expensive analogues. A reduction in supply in the market will inevitably lead to an increase in selling prices, which after a while will be felt by end consumers when buying consumer goods.

Imports of gasoline processed from Russian oil

Russia has been forced to look towards imports of gasoline to cover the shortages created by the Ukrainian drone attacks.  The first delivery from Vadinar refinery in India to Russia set off in late July.  A paradoxical situation has arisen where Russia exports crude oil but is forced to buy expensive imported gasoline.  It amounts to overpaying for the processing of its own raw materials.

Russian chemical industry first five months 2026

Ethylene production in Russia amounted to 1.909 million tons in the first five months against 1.926 million tons in the same period in 2025.  Propylene production increased from 1.066 million tons to 1.139 million tons in the first five months in 2026.   Benzene production dropped to 536,636 tons in January to May 2026 from 563,072 tons.   Toluene production increased from 126,141 tons to 169,309 tons.  The only real drop was seen in styrene monomer where production dropped from 318,236 tons to 304,759 tons. 

Russian petrochemical producers are mostly operating at high levels of capacity utilisation but for the industry as a whole margins have tightened due to the imbalance between raw material costs and market prices. Economic problems are the main cause of lower prices, whilst at the same time the relatively strong rouble affects the profitability of exports.  The strengthening of the rouble makes foreign currency debts cheaper in rouble terms, but this does not compensate for the contraction of the main market.

Russian polymer production January to May 2026

Russian ethylene polymer production rose in the first five months to 1.009 million tons against 940,522 tons in the same period last year, largely due to new capacity coming onstream.   The production of propylene polymers increased from 569,106 tons to 589,140 tons.  The production of styrene polymers dropped from 58,562 tons to 55,346 tons, whilst PVC production rose from 70,994 tons to 72,397 tons. 

Synthetic rubber production amounted to 391,347 tons in January to May 2026 against 399,650 tons in January to May 2025.  Production at Russian plants continues to be stimulated by export activity to China.  

Russian ethylene production January to May 2026

Russian ethylene production totalled 1.909 million tons in the first five months against 1.926 million tons in 2025.  ZapSibNeftekhim at Tobolsk increased ethylene production from 626,737 tons in the first five months last year to 674,591 tons in January to May 2026.  Production in the Volga region amounted to 967,540 tons versus 953,758 tons in the same period in 2025.  The Volga region includes producers Nizhnekamskneftekhim, Kazanorgsintez, Gazprom neftekhim Salavat and Ufaorgsintez.  Of the Volga plants only Nizhnekamskneftekhim increased output in 2025. 

Russian propylene production January to May 2026

Russian propylene production totalled 1.140 million tons in January to May 2026 against 1.066 million tons in January to May last year.  ZapSibNeftekhim at Tobolsk produced 455,569 tons against 387,848 tons.  The Volga-Urals region increased production from 405,519 tons in January to May 2025 to 458,458 tons in 2026.   

 Russian butadiene production January to May 2026

 Russian butadiene production totalled 263,501 tons in the first five months in 2026 against 280,551 tons in the same period last year.  ZapSibNeftekhim at Tobolsk produced 110,503 tons against 114,829 tons.  The Volga-Urals region reduced production from a total of 149,955 tons in January to May 2025 to 132,451 tons in the first five months in 2026.   

Russian aromatics production January to May 2026

Benzene production amounted to 536,637 tons in January to May 2026 against 448,994 tons in the same period last year.  The largest region for production was the Volga region where volumes increased from 272,074 tons in January to May last year to 375,040 tons in January to May this year.  The Volga region includes major benzene producers Nizhnekamskneftekhim and Gazprom neftekhim Salavat.  The main producer of benzene in the Siberian region is the Omsk refinery; production for the region rose from 75,074 tons to 83,665 tons. 

Russian toluene production totalled 99,103 tons in the first five months this year against 81,542 tons in the same period in 2025. 

Styrene production dropped from 318,236 tons in the first five months in 2025 against 318,236 tons in the same period in 2026.  Production in the Volga region dropped to 270,973 tons versus 282,408 tons last year.

Russian plastics production January to May 2026

Russian bulk plastics production amounted to 4.719 million tons in the first five months in 2026 against 4.560 million tons in January to May 2025.  The main falls this year have been seen in styrene polymers and PVC, whilst increases have been recorded in the production of polyolefins.     

Russian ethylene polymer production January to May 2026

Markets continue to face economic pressures as the effects of the war take greater effect.  The production of ethylene polymers increased from 1.580 million tons in the first five months in 2025 to 1.715 million tons in the same period in 2026.  A large increase took place in the Siberian Federal District due to the start-up of the Irkutsk Polymer Plant at Ust Kut in the northern part of the Irkutsk Oblast.

Most of the ethylene polymers produced consists of polyethylene grades LDPE, LLDPE, and HDPE. 

The largest plant for the production of ethylene polymers is ZapSibNeftekhim at Tobolsk, located in the Ural Federal District.  Production at ZapSibNeftekhim totalled 680,153 tons in January to May 2026 against 640,941 tons in January to May last year.   The second largest region in Russia is the Volga Federal District where production increased from 324,115 tons in January to May 2025 to 335,717 tons in January to May 2026.  The Volga district includes producers from Bashkortostan including Gazprom neftekhim Salavat and Ufaorgsintez, and from Nizhnekamskneftekhim and Kazanorgsintez.

Russian-Chinese trade in ethylene polymers January to May 2026

The start-up of the Irkutsk Polymer Plant already had a major impact on exports of polyethylene to China, rising to a total of 267,769 tons in January to May against 204,297 tons in January to May 2025.  HDPE, which is produced at Irkutsk, accounted for around two thirds of export shipments in January this year. 

Imports of higher-grade ethylene polymers rose from 32,387 tons in the first five months 2025 to 39,213 tons in 2026, with average prices rising from $1623.2 to $1642.8 per ton.  South Korea exported 20,979 tons in the first five months in 2026 against 23,391 tons in the same period in 2025.  Average prices increased to $1470.5 per ton.

Russian polypropylene production January to May 2026

Russian production of propylene polymers totalled 957,882 tons in January to May 2026 against 907,528 tons in January to May last year.  ZapSibNeftekhim at Tobolsk increased production from 440,172 tons to 485,689 tons in January to May 2026. 

The Moscow refinery reduced production slightly year to 69,836 tons from 71,641 tons in the same period in 2025.  The Volga region, including Nizhnekamskneftekhim and Ufaorgsintez, produced 186,128 tons against 184,910 tons.  The Siberian region, which includes Tomskneftekhim and Polyom at Omsk, increased production to 151,525 tons from 146,945 tons.

Russian polypropylene trade January to May 2026

Revenues for Russian exports of polypropylene homo grade to China decreased from $59.435 million in the first five months last year to $58.870 million in January to May 2026.  Volumes increased from 69,117 tons to 79,840 tons. 

Chinese exports of propylene polymers amounted to 17,907 tons in January to May this year against 12,206 tons in January to May 2025.  Export prices from China dropped from $2160.4 per ton last year to $1798.8 in the first five months this year.

Russian PVC market January to May 2026

Production of suspension grade PVC in Russia rose from 197,484 tons in January to May 2025 to 205,877 tons in the first five months this year.  Production at Sayanskkhimplast dropped from 65,846 tons to 46,212 tons.  Production by Kaustik at Volgograd fell from 20,631 tons to 18,633 tons, whilst production increased in the Volga region from 111,007 tons to 141,032 tons.  The Volga region includes the Kstovo and Sterlitamak plants. 

The Russian PVC market in 2025-early 2026 is experiencing a deep phase of recession caused by a drop in purchasing power and a curtailment of investment activity in construction. Manufacturers are faced with rising costs and prices for raw materials in 2026, which, against the backdrop of shrinking demand, creates a paradoxical situation. The near future of the market is seen as stagnation, the way out of which will depend on the general economic situation in the country, primarily on the easing of monetary policy.  In addition to price factors, the market faces a number of systemic problems.  In particular the high key interest rate makes loans unavailable to replenish working capital.   Even the expected increase in VAT did not lead to a rush demand at the end of 2025, due to the lack of funds for prepayment.

Despite the fact that the capacity of Russian plants (about 1.08 million tpa) is sufficient to cover the needs for suspension PVC there is a high dependence on imports.  Emulsion PVC production is limited to Kstovo.  China s share of PVC imports has reached around 98% of total imports.  Regarding consumption plastic windows are projected to decrease by 15-18% in 2026 following a 16% fall in 2025.  PVC imports from China dropped from 90,080 tons in the first five months last year against 48,966 tons in the same period last year.   

Russian PX-PTA-PET production January to May 2026

Russian paraxylene production amounted to 92,688 tons. tons in the first five months in 2026 against 100,763 tons in January to May 2025.  Gazprom Neft at Omsk increased production from 23,450 tons to 28,281 tons whilst Ufaneftekhim reduced production from 58,492 tons to 50,977 tons. 

The Kirishi refinery has been struck by drones on several occasions in the past two years, the most recent of which took place at the end of March 2026.   Ufaneftekhim has been struck several times, although paraxylene production is yet to be affected. Gazprom Neft at Omsk has remained outside the range of Ukrainian drones, or at least for now.

PTA production at Russia’s sole producer Polief amounted to 144,518 tons in January to May 2026 against 143,219 tons in January to May 2025.  Polief’s capacity of 376,000 tpa does not cover Russian consumption and imports from China are necessary to meet demand. 

The Russian government intends to allocate 49.6 billion roubles to subsidise the Tatneft’s PTA project.  Whilst Russia remains locked down in war it is questionable whether this intention can be fulfilled.  The design capacity of the complex comprises 347,000 tpa of paraxylene, 1.0 million tons of PTA and 450,000 tpa of PET. 

Russian PET production January to May 2026

Russian PET production amounted to 274,409 tons in January to May 2026 against 264,857 tons in January to May 2025 of which Polief produced 102,209 tons.  Ekopet at Kaliningrad produced 90,059 tons of PET in January to May whilst the combined plants of Senezh and SIBUR-PETF produced 82,141 tons.

Russian PTA-PET-MEG imports January to May 2026

Russian PTA imports from China amounted to 105,557 tons in January to May this year against 142,956 tons in January to May 2025, with average prices rising to $719.6 per ton against $626.8 last year.  This may represent the low point for numbers in 2026 as the rise in crude prices takes effect on supply chains particularly paraxylene.

Chinese shipments of PET to Russia amounted to 142,982 tons in January to May 2026 against 122,302 tons in January to May 2025.  PET imports increased despite the slightly higher domestic production.  Average prices increased from $798.4 per ton in the first five months in 2026 to $912.9 per ton.

Domestic processors, in addition to imports, compensated for the shortage by actively using secondary raw materials. PET bottle recycling facilities are being integrated into the technological chain for the production of geotextiles and other products.

MEG imports dropped from 36,344 tons in the first five months in 2025 to 30,834 tons in the same period in 2026.

Russian synthetic rubber production and market January to May 2026

Synthetic rubber production in Russia amounted to 584,333 tons in January to May 2026 against 642,667 tons in January to May 2025.  Exports to China accounted for 55% of total Russian production, thus depicting the importance of the Chinese market to Russian producers.   Synthetic rubber plants have become entangled in Russia’s war effort against Ukraine in supplying products for the military sector and thus could represent a target for more drone attacks. 

Production at the synthetic rubber plants in the Volga region, including Nizhnekamskneftekhim, Togliattikaucuk and Sterlitamak Petrochemical Plant, totalled 421,667 tons in the first five months this year against 484,376 tons in the same period in 2025.  Production in the Central region rose from 109,527 tons to 122,883 tons in January to May 2025.  The Siberian Federal District recorded a fall in synthetic rubber production to 38,830 tons against 47,847 tons in the first five months in 2025.

Russian synthetic rubber production by category January to May 2026

Russian isoprene rubber production amounted to 106,368 tons in the first five months in 2026 against 117,623 tons in the same period in 2025, whilst butadiene rubber production decreased to 102,262 tons against 121,398 tons. The highest value rubber produced by HBR where production increased from 41,656 tons in the first five months last year to 43,474 tons in 2026 of which most was exported to China.  Butyl rubber production at Nizhnekamskneftekhim and Togliattikaucuk dropped from 64,190 tons in January to May 2025 to 52,819 tons in this year, with almost all production exported to China.

Russian Chinese rubber trade January to May 2026

Russian export revenues from synthetic rubber shipments to China totalled $502.352 million in January to May 2026 against $511.145 million in the same month last year.  The largest category purchased by China was for butadiene rubber with costs rising to $84.278 million against $96.608 million in the same period in 2025, followed by SBRs where costs amounted to $49.194 million against $55.627 million. 

By volume Russian shipments of synthetic rubber to China amounted to 294,328 tons against 323,507 tons in January to May 2025.  The increase in export volumes compensated for the continued drop in consumption in the domestic market.  Imports to China might be slightly affected by the closure of the Straits of Hormuz, and that might offer Russian producers’ scope to increase shipments.  Nizhnekamskneftekhim is the largest exporter of synthetic rubber to China, supplying a wide range of grades but may be unable to increase shipments beyond current levels. 

Russian methanol production January to May 2026

Russia produced 1.729 million tons of methanol in January to May 2026 against 1.736 million tons in the same period in 2025.  Production in the Central region, which just includes Shchekinoazot, rose from 434,761 tons to 631,902 tons. 

The Volga region dropped production from 831,887 tons to 591,147 tons, with the reduction attributable to the drone attack on Metafrax Chemicals on 17 February.  The Gubakha plant worked partially in March after repairs to the distillation column.  The Siberian region (including Gazprom Methanol and Angarsk Petrochemical) increased production from 335,548 tons to 381,846 tons.  Azot Nevinnomyssk reduced production from 42,287 tons to 28,294 tons, the reduction attributed to constant drone attacks.

Russian methanol exports January to May 2026

Russian methanol exports amounted to 334,840 tons in January to May 2026 against 403,274 tons in the same period in 2025.  Shchekinoazot increased exports from 125,094 tons to 203,616 tons, whilst Metafrax Chemicals reduced shipments from 203,947 tons to 53,383 tons.  

Tomet exported 45,300 tons in the first five months in 2026 versus 126,367 tons in January to May 2025.  Gazprom Methanol increased exports to a total of 184,949 tons from 162,386 tons last January to May 2025.  Tomet is well placed to increase exports in the absence of Metafrax Chemicals and Gazprom Methanol.

Shipments to China amounted to 439,601 tons in January to May this year against 362,437 tons in January to May last year.  A total of 277,453 tons was shipped by Shchekinoazot to China against 133,896 tons in the same period in 2025, followed by 133,442 tons by Gazprom Methanol and 21,448 tons by Metafrax Chemicals. 

Besides China other countries shipped in the first five months this year included Turkey falling from 153,397 tons to 106,973 tons.  Export sales to Brazil amounted to 38,506 tons in January to May 2026 versus 105,289 tons in the same period in 2025. 

Export capability from Black Sea

Ukrainian drones started to attack Russian ships in the Taganrog Bay and Sea of Azov in July, in which a tanker carrying methanol was hit.  This means that ports such as Yeisk, Kavkaz and Taganrog are unlikely to be used for Russian methanol exports for the time being. 

Russian ships are now forced to avoid open water, fearing to become an easy target, and stay as close as possible to the exits from the water area.  Systemic suppression: strikes on Russian air defence facilities and coastal infrastructure deprive the fleet of the "umbrella" of safety.  Ukraine has dramatically increased the intensity of strikes on Russian ships in the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov in order to cut off Crimea and prevent Russia from making money on energy exports.

Russian domestic methanol sales Jan-May 26

Domestic merchant sales of methanol amounted to 612,581 tons in January to May this year against 602,680 tons in January to May 2025.  Metafrax Chemicals shipped 143,220 tons against 192,192 tons in January to May 2025, whilst Gazprom Methanol increased domestic merchant sales to 158,496 tons versus 132,251 tons.  Metafrax Chemicals reduced domestic sales this year due to the extended repairs required after the drone attack on 17 February.

Russian formaldehyde production Jan-May 26

Russian formaldehyde production totalled 378,986 tons in the first five months in 2026 against 346,151 tons in the same period in 2025. The largest rise came from Nizhnekamskneftekhim which almost doubled production from 52,100 tons to 100,884 tons.

Metafrax Chemicals reduced production in the first five months to 132,330 tons against 145,788 tons in January to May 2025, whilst Akron reduced production from 71,304 tons to 16,287 tons. 

Russian butanol production January to May 2026

Russian normal butanol production dropped from 64,834 tons in January to May 2025 to 62,943 tons in January to May 2026.  The Volga region, which includes SIBUR-Khimprom and Gazprom neftekhim Salavat, reduced production from 52,453 tons to 42,795 tons.  Angarsk Petrochemical Company increased production from 7,633 tons in January to May 2025 to 15,555 tons in the same period in 2026. 

Russian acetic acid production January to May 2026

Russian acetic acid production amounted to 72,293 tons in January to May 2026 against 86,034 tons in the same period in 2025.  The largest producer in Russia, Azot at Nevinnomyssk, reduced production from 64,456 tons to 54,594 tons. 

Isopropyl alcohol (isopropanol) production in Russia amounted to 29,518 tons in January to May 2026 against 21,995 tons in the same period last year.  Omsk Kaucuk increased production from 8,570 tons to 13,064 tons whilst the Plant at Synthetic Alcohol at Orsk increased production from 13,425 tons to 16,454 tons.

South Korean isocyanate exports to Russia Jan-May 2026

TDI imports into Russia from South Korea amounted to 15,173 tons in January to May 2026 against 4,905 tons last year, whilst MDI imports rose from 2,185 tons to 12,342 tons.  Average prices for TDI dropped from $2081.8 per ton to $1846.8 per ton, whilst MDI prices dropped from $2182.2 to $1828.0.

Chinese isocyanate exports to Russia January to May 2026

TDI imports from China into Russia dropped from 7,638 tons in January to May 2025 to 6,519 tons in the first five months in 2026.  In line with global rises TDI costs per ton increased in April and May, but for the whole five-month period were still lower than in 2025.

MDI imports from China into Russia amounted to 29,576 tons in January to May 2026 against 36,340 tons in January to May 2025, as Chinese suppliers tightened control.   

Polyol imports into Russia from China rose from 41,080 tons in January to May 2025 to 48,703 tons in January to May 2026, with average prices rising to $1471 per ton. Nizhnekamskneftekhim is examining plans to build a polymer polyol production with a capacity of 20,000 tpa.  The company has ordered a budget assessment of the relevant project.   Polymer polyols serve as the main raw material for the production of flexible polyurethane foams (PU foam), which are in demand in various industries.

Central Asian imports of polymers from China January to May 2026

PVC exports from China to Central Asia increased from 114,385 tons in January to May last year to 150,470 tons in the same period in 2026.  Exports to Kazakhstan amounted to 46,757 tons against 47,696 tons in January to May last year, whilst exports to Uzbekistan increased from 53,388 tons to 91,814 tons.  Average prices for the region rose from $610.8 per ton to $613.9 per ton.

In the case of PET, imports from China to Kazakhstan dropped from 47,221 tons in the first five months in 2025 to 22,700 tons and to Uzbekistan dropping from 87,497 tons to 20,794 tons.

Chinese companies replace Tatneft from butadiene project in Kazakhstan

Subsidiaries of the Chinese company Sinopec have become EPC contractors for the butadiene project in the Atyrau region, after Tatneft had withdrawn recently.   Samruk-Kazyna has signed an EPC contract with Sinopec Guangzhou Engineering (the contractor is undertaking a turnkey project, including design, procurement of materials, construction and commissioning of the facility) for butane separation, isobutane dehydrogenation, butadiene extraction and off-site facilities.

Another company, Sinopec Ningbo Engineering, will become the EPC contractor for the rubber and styrene butadiene rubber production plants from butane.   The butadiene joint venture was established by the Tatneft (75%) and KazMunayGaz (25%) in November 2021.  A subsidiary of Samruk-Kazyna, Samruk-Kazyna Ondeu, has since become the owner of KMG s share.

The butadiene project, worth about $1 billion, provides for the construction of a petrochemical complex for the production of butadiene in the Atyrau region.  Raw materials for the complex are to come from the Tengiz field. The derivatives of the butadiene project include 60,000 tpa of divinylstyrene synthetic rubber (DSSK) for use in the rubber industry, 40,000 tpa of styrene-butadiene-styrene rubber (SBS) necessary for road surfaces and plastics, as well as 40,000 tpa of MTBE.

Kazakh imports of polyethylene January to May 2026

Imports of polyethylene into Kazakhstan amounted to 75,479 tons in January to May 2026, for which over half came from Iran in the first two months but then started to decline in March.  Russian shipments have largely compensated for the lack of Iranian material.

HDPE imports amounted to 49,973 tons at $1117.0 per ton whilst LDPE imports amounted to 10,605 tons at $1215.9 per ton.  Overall prices for polyethylene imports averaged $1862 per ton in the first five months. 

Uzbekistan LAB project

KazMunayGaz and Uzbekneftegaz have signed a contract for undertaking a feasibility study for a joint project for the production of linear alkylbenzene (LAB).  Linear alkylbenzene is used in the production of synthetic detergents with biodegradability of at least 95%. 

This is the third attempt by Uzbekistan to launch the production of LAB.  In 2020, Uzkimyosanoat signed a memorandum on the joint implementation of a similar project with the Turkish company Çalik Enerji Sanayi ve Ticaret A.S.  Another project was planned with Honeywell UOP, which also failed to progress.  This new feasibility study for this project is considering a 50,000 tpa plant, aimed mainly at the domestic market and regional export market. 

Currently, Uzbekistan relies significantly on imports for Linear Alkyl Benzene (LAB) and its sulfonated derivative LABSA, largely sourced from countries like Iran, to sustain its domestic cleaning and detergent manufacturing sectors. By localizing production, both Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan aim to secure regional supply chains and boost export capacities.

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