The October contract prices of expandable polystyrene (EPS-C) in Europe at the end of last week were agreed at EUR50 per tonne lower compared to the previous month, according to the establishment of styrene contract prices, sources told ICIS market.

Market players are closely watching developments in the petrochemical BASF site in Ludwigshafen (Ludwigshafen, Germany) after the incident where an explosion and fire on 17 October.

Some producers received additional orders as trying to avoid any possible styrene prices in the next month.

But some market sources said that the incident in Ludwigshafen can result in a three-digit price increases in November.

Demand is at a relatively high level in terms of the manufacturer, but in terms of processors it is average.

With the approach of the winter period it is expected that the volume of material will decrease in the market, even if the building season will continue.

According to the price review ICIS-MRC, the Russian market of EPS remained stable last week, despite the shortage of styrene on the spot in Russia. According to a source at the company, the launch of styrene Between capacities SIBUR group can be resumed by mid-November. However, this information is not confirmed by official press release of the enterprise. According to a source in the production, stop styrene plant will have no impact on the market balance of EPS. Current stocks of EPS in the warehouses of the company will allow to carry out the shipment as planned.
Purchasing activity in the spot market in Russia is stable.