Tokyo, March 18, 2026 (AFP) - Japan, S. Korea petrochemical industry slows output on Iran war

NAMPA / AFP
2026-03-18
The Middle East war is forcing petrochemical giants in two key Asian economies to cut production as the conflict rattles supplies of a crucial oil-derived component used to make a range of plastic goods. The scarcity of naphtha -- a liquid distilled from petroleum that is essential for making ethylene, a key ingredient in everything from plastic grocery bags to food packaging -- risks a knock-on effect across many industries. The petrochemical se......
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