China’s most stringent controls cause intensified pressure on supply of chemical raw materials

 

The ministry called on the affected regions to take countermeasures based on their emergency plans. These regions, including Shanxi, Shandong, Henan, and Sichuan provinces, are now taking action to fight against the incoming haze. This includes restricting nationwide chemical raw material production, which may result in a price rise for some downstream chemicals. 

 

 

A Heavy Air Pollution Orange Alert (Level 2) was initiated by Beijing’s industry sector. From midnight on Dec 2, the production activities of enterprises subject to the Orange Alert have been suspended or restricted, according to the requirement.

 

　　

A Red Alert (Level 1) was initiated for the first time in the south and central part of Hebei Province, starting from 8 a.m. on Dec 1. Meanwhile, the cities of Tangshan and Cangzhou initiated an Orange Alert. The alert targets a minimum 50% reduction in pollution emissions among production enterprises that have been exempted from the Provincial Pollution Control Action Plan and the Air Pollution Control Decree.

 

　　

At 6 p.m. on Nov 30, Henan's provincial government issued a Heavy Air Pollution Yellow Alert, having previously taken stricter action against the heavy pollution. The measures adopted to address industrial pollution included either the suspension or restriction of production activities to ensure a 20% reduction in SO2, dust, and NOx, while the inspection of pollution sources will be conducted more frequently. 

　　

The Taiyuan Heavy Weather Pollution Emergency Action Office announced an Orange Alert, starting from midnight on Dec 1. Measures taken include traffic restriction in the downtown area and restriction of production and emissions-related operations. The Taiyuan government has requested the whole city to respond to the requirements of the Orange Alert, as a follow up to the implementation of Level 3 measures. Enterprises causing air pollution will be monitored 24 hours on site to ensure that pollution prevention and control facilities are running reliably and that pollutant is discharged according to standards. 

 

　　

A Heavy Air Pollution (Level 3) Alert was initiated in Dezhou City, Shandong Province, starting at 2 p.m. on Nov 29. Production activities causing pollution have been put under restrictions, including restrictions on coal-fired power plants, steelmaking, building materials, chemicals, petrochemicals, and paper milling industries. Coal-fired units that have been renovated for ultra-low emissions are requested to strictly follow the standard limits applicable to gas-fueled units, and the total atmospheric pollutant emissions in the area should be reduced by 30%.

 

Chengdu initiated a Heavy Air Pollution (Level 3) Alert at midnight on Dec 3 and enforced emissions reduction measures. If pollution continues to increase, the Chengdu municipal government will adopt more stringent temporary measures, such as ceasing earthworks on construction sites, reducing or suspending production activities, and enforcing traffic restrictions.