Likely the worst change in fortunes for methanol derivatives arising from the COVID-19 pandemic has been that of MTBE. Profitability for a hypothetical Middle Eastern MTBE producer recently plummeted to negative levels for the first time in over 13 years. MTBE demand essentially stopped after March 2020, first in Asia (led by China) and followed by Europe and the America as gasoline demand plummeted in all global markets.

MMSA Methanol Notes – 2020-06-16

USD $67.01

MTBE Profitability – Recovering Slowly After a COVID-19 Wipeout