GCC fertiliser industry drifting away from gas
Growing GCC gas demand is prompting feedstock diversification in the fertiliser sector. (PA)
Fertiliser producers in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries are considering alternative feedstocks as demand for gas grows from sectors such as power generation, with plans to boost fertiliser output compounding the need to make a switch.
The fertiliser industry is one of the most important segments of the GCC’s petrochemical sector, accounting for 28% of its capacity in 2014. Gas is a crucial feedstock in the production of ammonia, which is used to manufacture urea – the main fertiliser product made in the GCC. Urea production accounted for 78% of the region’s fertiliser capacity last year.