On March 23, 2026, sources confirmed LG Chem will soon shut down its No. 2 naphtha cracker (ethylene plant) at Yeosu complex, with 800,000 tons/year capacity. Reason: naphtha feedstock prices surged amid Hormuz blockade and supply disruptions, making production unprofitable. This follows earlier force majeure notices from LG Chem, Lotte Chemical, and others on select products (e.g., plasticizers like DOTP). More Korean crackers may idle if crisis persists.
