Poland runs out of gas for chemicals?

Poland may have to cut chemical production if supplies of natural gas run out later this year, according to a Reuter's report. This could have a big impact on chemical producers such as Police, Pulawy and Anwil which were affected last year during the Ukraine gas dispute.

"Poland's gas monopoly PGNiG estimates it will be short 0.5 billion cubic metres of gas in the fourth quarter and may be forced to reduce supplies to large industrial clients, PGNiG deputy head was quoted as saying on Monday.

"We estimate the fourth quarter deficit will reach 0.5 billion cubic metres. We cannot rule out that deliveries to our industrial clients will be reduced," Dudzinski told Puls Biznesu daily.

Poland, which was not receiving all the contracted gas from Russia for nearly six months this year, is currently in talks with Russia to increase gas supplies to make up for shortages in 2009 in 2010.

Radoslaw Dudzinski added the monopoly might be short 2.3 billion cubic metres next year, should the government fail to amend a deal with Russia and increase natural gas supplies.

During the gas row between Russia and Ukraine in January, PGNiG was forced to reduce supplies to its biggest clients including chemical makers Police PICE.WA, Pulawy PULW.WA and Anwil. (Writing by Patryk Wasilewski; Editing by Kim Coghill)"