ENAR Petrotech Services (Pvt.) Ltd was appointed to carry out a market survey of the following chemicals:

Raffinate    C9    Benzene    Mixed Xylene    Ortho Xylene    Para Xylene

The purpose of the study was to identify

• Historical consumption pattern in the country
• Future growth pattern
• Indication of consuming industries
• Historical and current prices
  

Benzene

• Important raw material in organic chemicals and is used in the production of Phenol, insecticides, chlorobenzene, styrene etc.
• Potential requirements in locally manufactured basic ingredients of detergents.
• As per an estimate, presently surface acting agents worth over Rs. 1.5 billion are being consumed in the country.
• The future requirements of Benzene are expected to remain at the current level until the basic ingredients are manufactured locally.

Toulene

• Major portion of Toulene is consumed for the manufacture of Trinitrotoluene followed by solvent application in paints, nitrocellulose lacquers, varnishes and in the manufacturing of adhesives, printing inks and in refineries as an extraction agent.
• Expected growth in the market is difficult to predict due to the historical abnormal trend in its consumption pattern. However, based on discussion with major importers, ENAR expects 3%-5% growth in demand per annum.

Mixed Xylene

• Used as a solvent in insecticides formulation, pesticides, paints and thinners.
• Consumed by different pesticide firms in Pakistan and is currently imported.
• Future further demand is dependent upon growth of insecticide/pesticide and paint industry.
• Estimated growth in the next five years is 6% per annum