What were the key drivers behind SK Geocentric's turnaround to operating profit in Q1?

The key drivers were wider aromatic spreads, inventory gains linked to higher naphtha prices, enhanced cost efficiency, reductions in fixed costs, scheduled maintenance at regional para-xylene facilities, and the partial resumption of offshore benzene sales—collectively boosting margins and profitability.

How does SK Geocentric plan to manage profit volatility related to oil price fluctuations in the coming quarter?

SK Geocentric plans to mitigate oil price fluctuation risks through strategic inventory management and marketing optimization, while acknowledging that declining oil prices could trigger profit volatility due to inventory effects.

SK Innovation’s petchem unit swings to profit on aromatic spreads, inventory gains

May 13, 2026

SK Geocentric swung to a 127.5 billion won operating profit in Q1, driven by wider aromatic spreads and inventory gains from rising naphtha prices. It plans strategic inventory management to mitigate future oil price volatility risks.

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SK Innovation’s petchem unit swings to profit on aromatic spreads, inventory gains

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