Pertamina stops PTA production from Plaju refinery

State oil and gas firm PT Pertamina has stopped production of purified terephthalic acid (PTA) from its Plaju refinery complex in South Sumatra as the company now prefers to sell paraxylene, PTA raw material, Pertamina spokesman said.

?PTA and paraxylene are actually sold out on the market. However, viewed from business consideration, Pertamina is more benefited to sell paraxylene directly to the market, instead of processing it into PTA before selling to the market,? Toharso said.

Pertamina?s PTA plant has a capacity of 225,000 tons per annum, while the paraxylene facility produces 270,000 tons per annum. PTA constitutes purified terephthalate acid used the main raw material of polyester chips.

Toharso also affirmed that the suspension would not affect the company?s plan to acquire wholly the shares of PTA producer PT Polyprima Karyareksa. ?It?s different. Supply of raw material to Polyprima?s plant would be easier because it is located in Anyer,? he added. (*)