Methanol Analysts caution that the restart of the Clear Lake Methanol plant. (Petrochemicals in Brief).(could strain methanol market)(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)

Chemical Market Reporter, January, 2002

METHANOL Analysts caution that the restart of the Clear Lake Methanol plant, a joint venture between Valero Energy and Celanese, could further strain an already weak market that is waiting for demand to pick up, particularly for formaldehyde and acetic acid. "Methanex is due to announce its January price," an analyst says.

"We expect a rollover (at 40c. per gallon) to keep prices from dropping." Analysts rate the large-volume spot market, f.o.b. the US Gulf, at around 32.5c. to 34c. per gallon.