SUBSCRIBER NOTE: Platts to keep existing water content spec for European MTBE

Following market feedback, S&P Global Platts has decided not to proceed with its proposal to reduce its European MTBE accepted water content specification to maximum 500 ppm, from the current 1,000 ppm.

Platts had previously received industry feedback that the bulk of MTBE produced and traded within Europe conforms to a maximum limit of 500 ppm water content, and launched a methodology consultation inviting comments.

The comments that followed indicate that maximum 500 ppm water content is not universally recognized as industry standard and that 1,000 ppm water content is acceptable in the market. As a result, Platts has decided not to reduce the maximum accepted water content in its European MTBE methodology.

Platts welcomes feedback on all methodology and specifications.

Platts daily assessments for MTBE FOB ARA, MTBE FOB ARA factor and MTBE FOB ARA (cents/gal) are published in Platts Market Data under the symbols PHALA00, PHALA02, AAWLE00.

Please direct any questions or comments to pl_petchems_ln@spglobal.com with a copy to pricegroup@spglobal.com.

For written comments, please provide a clear indication if comments are not intended for publication by Platts for public viewing. Platts will consider all comments received and will make comments not marked as confidential available upon request.