Chic wrote:
"Is it valid to assume prices have gone up do to pressure on demand not
cost build up reasons?"
No. (Based on the best info I have)
The explanation I received from a representative of a chemical supply
company is consistent with the info at a site James Phelps provided:
http://www.purchasing.com/article/CA6389243.html
For various reasons there was an unexpected drop in methanol production.
The drop in supply coupled with continued demand -----> price increase.
This is similar to the helium shortage (almost thwarted the Macy's
Thanksgiving Day Parade) due to two of the major producers going "off line" at
the same time ..... one unexpectedly; the other to due routine yearly
maintenance.
The methanol price should return to a more reasonable level as production
resumes. Production is supposedly coming back. Before the price drops, reduced
reserves will have to be replenished.
It would be interesting to plot monthly prices for methanol over the past
few years ..... see if there are months/seasons when the price is low or
high. The representative I talked to said that the price he pays (northeastern
US) goes up a bit during our winter months due to increased demand for
windshield washed fluid that is winterized w. methanol. Those of us who have
the luxury of safe storage space might consider buying an extra barrel or two
when the price is low.
Tom
----- Original Message -----
From: FRANCISCO
To: biofuel@sustainablelists.org
Sent: Thursday, November 23, 2006 9:22 AM
Subject: Re: [Biofuel] Methanol Price Increase?
I assume the metanol demand world wide is increasing as biofuels production
are increasing sharply. Is it valid to assume prices have gone up do to
pressure on demand not cost build up reasons?
VEry best
Chic
VAN DER SLUYS, WILLIAM wrote:
It is my understanding that most of the methanol available in the US is
produced from ethylene (petroleum). I'm not surprising that methanol prices
have gone up, but, I am surprised it took so long for them to do so. They
probably will come back down in the near future since oil prices have moderated.
The other way to make methanol is from wood, by way of pyrolysis (destructive
heating which also produces charcoal) but this is not commonly done since it is
more difficult and costly.
----- Original Message -----
From: Thomas Kelly [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
To: biofuel [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Subject: [Biofuel] Methanol Price Increase?
Hello All,
Did I miss the news?
Has there been a significant increase in the price of methanol
recently?
I just got the bill for a delivery (two 55gal barrels). Previous price
( July): $2.60 USD/gallon; current bill: $3.54 USD/ gallon .... 35%
increase in a few months?
I'll call my supplier in a little while ... maybe it's just a billing
mistake. I am just hoping someone has some info.
Thanks,
Tom
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