Iranian methanol supply constrained; weak import expectations

Chempricehub, Oct. 9 – Recently, Iranian methanol plants have maintained low operating rates, leading to persistently weak import expectations. Ongoing disruptions to shipping in the Strait of Hormuz have caused several large-scale methanol units in Iran to remain shut down or operate at reduced loads, thereby limiting vessel loading and shipments. Institutions estimate that domestic methanol imports for October will total only 450,000–500,000 metric tons, a significant reduction compared with the same period in previous years. Should geopolitical tensions ease, there is an expectation for subsequent recovery in import volumes.