Chemical industry news · Three minutes a day
Sunday, October 25, 2026
Lead Story
Arclin to add capacity for aramid fiber products in SpainArclin Inc. expands aramid fiber paper production at its Asturias, Spain facility, joining three other network sites. Supply growth for these protective materials is projected to continue through 2027 after acquiring Nomex and Kevlar from DuPont.
Financial Times reports an Alaska LNG developer received funding from sanctioned Russian firm Novatek prior to US Treasury approval. The project aims to start gas deliveries from Alaska's North Slope by 2030 amid ongoing regulatory compliance reviews.
The Central Commission for Discipline Inspection announced that Qian Zhijia, former General Manager of PetroChina's Gas Sales Branch and ex-CEO of Kunlun Energy, is under investigation. He resigned from Kunlun Energy in January 2026 prior to this announcement.
Indonesia reduces pipeline gas exports to Singapore by 31 billion BTU daily to prioritize domestic energy security, redirecting flows for local power generation under President Prabowo's new administration policies.
The US ordered diplomatic staff departures across the Middle East due to Iranian and Houthi threats, causing oil prices to rise. Earlier evacuations at Saudi Aramco underscore risks to regional energy infrastructure.
COSCO Shipping Energy Transportation chairman Ren Yongqiang stated that geopolitical volatility has shifted energy transport priorities from efficiency to safety and resilience. Disruptions in key chokepoints like the Hormuz Strait are causing significant shipping delays and capacity constraints.
Osaka Soda has commenced construction on a silica gel manufacturing expansion at its Matsuyama plant to meet rising pharmaceutical demand, with completion expected by February 2028. The ¥10 billion investment aims to double combined output capacity across its Japanese facilities.
Heineken warned UK pubs that the surge in GLP-1 weight-loss drugs could reduce alcohol desire and beer sales. The brewer recommends promoting low-alcohol options as consumers adopt more purposeful drinking habits.
At India Chem 2026, Reliance executives highlighted the chemical industry as a key economic growth driver, supplying essential materials for agriculture, healthcare, and electronics sectors.
North American chemical railcar volumes rose 1.6% year-over-year to 46,863 carloads for the week ended Oct. 17, according to the Association of American Railroads.
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