European MTBE/ETBE: Producers reduce run rates amid feedstock shortages / Limited feedstock availability cuts production rates / Spot prices continue to rise on bidding activity

Aug 31, 2026

The European MTBE market continued to see supply tightness on Aug. 28 as production rates were heard lower. Market participants said thin feedstock availability was weighing on producer operating rates. “Producers are struggling with operating rates with crackers,” one producer said, further noting lower MTBE output for August and September. Raffinate-1 was available but not enough to fill feedstock gaps. While supply in Europe remains tight, participants continued to report incoming imports. Cargoes carrying T1 MTBE have recently been heard heading to Europe, most notably to the Amsterdam-Rotterdam-Antwerp hub and the Mediterranean from China. “In the end, they will come to Europe at attractive netbacks,” the same producer said. Current market tightness, however, has seen prompt prices climb with rising values in the upstream gasoline complex further underpinning elevated levels....

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