Oversupply set to lift Naphtha consumption to 960m tonnes 
Global naptha consumption is set to exceed 960m tonnes by 2026, as oversupply lowers prices, making it attractive to buyers of propylene, ethylene and aromatics petrochemical products. Naptha is used largely to blend gasoline, and the rising demand for the fuel will continue to increase naptha use. The Asia-Pacific region is the largest consumer of naptha, and is forecast to continue to be until 2026, as countries in the region depend on imported naptha for feedstock in the petrochemical industry. The US is the second largest consumer, as its refineries require more of the chemical to help meet growing gasoline demand.

According to TechSci Research report "Global Naphtha Demand Supply Analysis, By End Use, By Region, Forecast & Opportunities, 2011 – 2026", global naphtha consumption is projected to cross 960 million t by 2026, on account of oversupply of naphtha, low prices of naphtha, and increasing demand for ethylene, propylene and aromatics petrochemical products.

According to the IEA, 11.5 million bpd of oil are used in petrochemicals production, of which around 90% (50% naphtha and 40% LPG) is used as a feedstock and remaining for thermal energy generation. Moreover, naphtha is primarily used for gasoline blending and increasing demand for gasoline is anticipated to fuel demand for naphtha across the globe. Naphtha is the best suitable blending component for gasoline, as it significantly improves octane number of the fuel. Gasoline blending dominated naphtha consumption in 2016. Rising demand for gasoline across the globe is anticipated to boost naphtha consumption for gasoline blending in the coming years. According to BP Statistical, global gasoline consumption stood at 95.01 million barrels/day in 2015, registering an increase of 2% over the previous year.

Asia-Pacific dominated global naphtha consumption and the region is forecast to continue to be the largest consumer of naphtha across the globe through 2026. Developing countries such as China, India and Indonesia along with developed countries such as Japan and South Korea are heavily dependent on imported naphtha for use as feedstock in the petrochemical industry. Further, North America accounted for the second largest share in naphtha consumption across the globe, due to growing automobile market and rising demand for gasoline in the US. On account of growing demand for gasoline in the US, a large amount of naphtha would be consumed by refineries in the country to address the growing demand for gasoline.

"Apart from increasing gasoline demand in developed and developing countries across the globe, rising global demand for naphtha can also be attributed to surging demand for naphtha-based petrochemicals, such as aromatic petrochemical products (benzene, toluene and xylene [BTX]), in developing countries. These aromatic products form building blocks for many products that are used in day-to-day life. Moreover, major demand for naphtha is being generated from Asia-Pacific and Middle East and Africa regions, owing to presence of numerous traditional naphtha-based crackers in these regions. This is anticipated to boost naphtha consumption across the globe in the coming years", said Mr. Karan Chechi, Research Director with TechSci Research, a research based global management consulting firm.

"Global Naphtha Demand Supply Analysis, By End Use, By Region, Forecast & Opportunities, 2011 – 2026" has evaluated the global naphtha market and provides the statistics and information on market structure, industry behaviour and trends. The report includes market projections and demand forecasting. The report is intended to provide cutting-edge market intelligence and help decision makers take sound investment evaluation. Besides, the report also identifies and analyses emerging trends along with strategic recommendations for global naphtha market.