Sabic; Methanol shortfall threatens MTBE growth

Journal Article · Mon Feb 10 00:00:00 EST 1992 · Oil and Gas Journal; (United States)

OSTI ID:5889801

This paper reports that a lack of methanol capacity in the mid-1990s could lead to shortages and limit production of methyl tertiary butyl ether, warns Abdullah Nojaidi, president of Sabic Marketing Ltd. It is estimated that world methanol demand will rise by about 5.6%/year in 1991-2000 fed by a jump of at least 20% in demand for MTBE. These averages are deceptive, because demand will explode in 1992-1993. Abdullah Nojaidi states that we are going to need every available gallon of methanol capacity to control pollution in the U.S., western and eastern Europe, Japan, and Asia...Unfortunately, new plants require long lead times, and those who want to see the right returns in advance are unlikely to have plants in place when demand starts to rise sharply in 1992 and 1993.

• OSTI ID: 5889801
• Journal Information: Oil and Gas Journal; (United States), Vol. 90:6; ISSN 0030-1388
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

03 NATURAL GAS
METHANOL
SHORTAGES
METHANOL FUELS
POLLUTION CONTROL
DEMAND
GLOBAL ASPECTS
METHYL ETHER
PRODUCTION
ALCOHOL FUELS
ALCOHOLS
CONTROL
ETHERS
FUELS
HYDROXY COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
SYNTHETIC FUELS
030400* - Natural Gas- Products & By-Products
030600 - Natural Gas- Economic
Industrial
& Business Aspects