During the first quarter of 2017, own-produced fertilizer and chemical volumes increased by 12.0% to a record 1.7 million metric t compared to 1.5 million metric t the same period last year, and also increased by 5.6% compared to the fourth quarter of 2016.
The fertilizer segment ramped up production with higher use rates in North Africa and a return to normalised operating rates in the Netherlands. Total own-produced fertilizer (ammonia, urea and nitrates) volumes improved 13.3% in 1Q17 compared to 1Q16. Iowa Fertilizer Co. (IFCo) has not yet contributed to first quarter volumes, as production and sales started in April.
Ammonia volumes were significantly higher than last year, primarily driven by a good performance from Sorfert in Algeria.
Urea volumes were boosted by Egyptian Fertilizers Co., which was running at full use during the quarter. Future gas supply to the plants in Egypt is looking increasingly secure. BP started gas production from its West Nile development in March, eight months ahead of schedule. When fully on stream, the West Nile Delta fields are expected to reach production equivalent to about 30% of Egypt’s current gas production.
Calcium ammonium nitrate (CAN) and urea ammonium nitrate (UAN) reported volumes in line with previous quarters. In 1Q16, CAN volumes were low due to the Quarterly figures are based on unaudited results previously reported shutdown, which also resulted in higher UAN volumes than can normally be achieved when CAN is running at high usage.
