Global financial meltdown has given the worst possible jolt to the world economy. Present condition has brought down the demand for the down stream products thus bringing down the prices for the same.
In the Asian region, on December 24, naphtha prices showed some stability. Prices quoted for the first half of February at $294.00-$297.00 per ton CFR (cost and freight) Japan. For the second half open specification contracts were assessed at $289.00-$292.00 per ton CFR Japan.
In the European region, on this day only, open specification spot cargoes were offered at $244-$254 per ton CIF (cost, insurance and freight) NWE (northwest Europe) range, down by $6 per ton by the ned of the trading session on Tuesday. For January shipments prices were pegged at $245-$247 per ton CIF NWE.