Argentina is in critical stage of gas shortage. Argentina’s Bahia Blanca petrochemical complex, a prominent petchem complex in Argentina will likely be affected by the scarcity of gas this year. The scarcity of gas is expected due to winter season in the South America.
In 2007, Argentina experienced a snowfall, a first since 90 years and it triggered a nationwide gas shortage. The Bahia Blanca petrochemical complex alone had to shut down for two weeks during winter season due to a gas and electricity shortage. With increasing demand in 2008, and possible shortage, the petchem industry is likely to be impacted in Argentina. Chemical plants are now bulding stocks to mitigate the effect.
Some companies such as Solvay Indupa at the Bahia Blanca complex are having their own electric power plant as a backup in case of the gas shortage. The foundation issue in the Argentine petchem industry is due to lack of long term agreements for natural gas supply between Argentina and its neighbors, Bolivia and Brazil. Bolivia is supposed to send to Argentina some 7.7m m3/day, but in 2007 only sent 6m, ultimately to 3.5m with priority to Brazil.
In 2007, Argentina experienced a snowfall, a first since 90 years and it triggered a nationwide gas shortage. The Bahia Blanca petrochemical complex alone had to shut down for two weeks during winter season due to a gas and electricity shortage. With increasing demand in 2008, and possible shortage, the petchem industry is likely to be impacted in Argentina. Chemical plants are now bulding stocks to mitigate the effect.
Some companies such as Solvay Indupa at the Bahia Blanca complex are having their own electric power plant as a backup in case of the gas shortage. The foundation issue in the Argentine petchem industry is due to lack of long term agreements for natural gas supply between Argentina and its neighbors, Bolivia and Brazil. Bolivia is supposed to send to Argentina some 7.7m m3/day, but in 2007 only sent 6m, ultimately to 3.5m with priority to Brazil.
