Japan's Asahi Kasei Co has trimmed its Mizushima-based 300,000 tonne/year benzene unit operating rate to 75% this month. The cut of the benzene unit was in tandem with the scheduled 40-day turnaround of the 390,000 tonne/year No 3 SM line in the same location, which began on 9 October. Moreover, the operating rates at its 470,000 tonne/year cracker have also been reduced to around 85% in early October. The official said that in spite of the reduced benzene unit rates, the company had no intention to purchase spot benzene for the month of November due to the shutdown of SM No 3 line. 日本旭化成把其水岛年产30万的苯装置的开工率降到了75%。 10月9号停车修检其年产39万的3号SM装置，为期40天。 10月初年产47万的装置的开工率也降到了85%。 公司人员表示 尽管苯的开工率下降了，但11月还没采购现货苯的意向。