SUBSCRIBER NOTE: Platts decides not to specify benzene content in European MX methodology

Following market feedback, S&P Global Platts has decided not to proceed with its proposal to specify benzene content to a maximum limit of 100 ppm in its mixed xylenes assessment methodology in Europe.

Platts had previously received industry feedback that the bulk of MX produced and traded within Europe conforms to a maximum limit of 100 ppm benzene content, and launched a methodology consultation inviting comments.

The comments that followed indicate that 100 ppm benzene content is not widely recognized as industry standard and that benzene content is not routinely captured in industry specifications. As a result, Platts has decided not to specify benzene content in its European MX methodology.

Platts welcomes feedback on all methodology and specifications. Platts MX specifications reflect product conforming to the latest edition of ASTM D-843, with one or more isomers removed; the non-aromatics content set at the maximum of 2% and the maximum ethylbenzene content at 20%. There are no limits on metaxylene, paraxylene and orthoxylene content.

Platts MX assessments are published on Petrochemical Alert (PCA) pages: 328, 335, 233, 432, 370, 241, 446 and 540. They are also published in Europe & Americas Petrochemicalscan, Solventswire and in the Platts price database under the following symbols: Mixed Xylenes CIF ARA MXEAA00 Mixed Xylenes CIF ARA Mo01 MXEAB00 Mixed Xylenes CIF ARA Mo02 MXEAC00 Mixed Xylenes FOB ARA PHABD00 Mixed Xylenes CIF ARA Mo01 spread to EBOB FOB ARA swap MXPRA00 Mixed Xylenes CIF ARA Mo02 spread to EBOB FOB ARA swap MXPRB00 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.