By OGJ editors
HOUSTON, Feb. 6 -- US production of 15 petrochemicals in fourth quarter 2006 increased 14% to 48.2 billion lb, compared with production in fourth quarter 2005 of 42.4 billion lb of the same petrochemicals, said the National Petrochemical & Refiners Association in a recent report.
The fourth quarter 2006 production figure also represents a 3% decrease over third quarter 2006 production of 49.7 billion lb of the same 15 petrochemicals, said NPRA in its "Survey of Production and Inventory Report for Fourth Quarter 2006." The petrochemicals surveyed include olefins and aromatics.
From third quarter 2006 to fourth quarter 2006, production of two of the 15 petrochemicals increased.
Concerning petrochemical inventories, total fourth quarter 2006 inventories of seven petrochemicals was 5.7 billion lb, a 3% decrease compared with same quarter 2005 inventories of 5.9 billion lb, yet was an increase of 6% over third quarter 2006 inventories of 5.4 billion lb of the same petrochemicals.