Gas returns to Egyptian urea plants

Gas supplies have returned to three Egyptian urea producers that had halted output earlier this week.

The three plants of Alexfert, Helwan and another unidentified producer have a combined capacity of around 1.85mn t/yr.

The disruptions emerged on 16 September when state-owned Gasco sent a letter to the producers informing them that the gas supplies would be cut.

Overall urea operating rates in Egypt are to remain under pressure, at likely 80pc or below, as producers grapple with the shifting feedstock situation.

Algerian producer Sorfert is also set to cut production at its 1.19mn t/yr granular urea plant to minimum rates next month, with output to be lower during October because of a turnaround.

By Dana Hjeij and Harry Minihan