西南气头化企难挺寒冬

Group 1 - The price of natural gas, a key raw material for fertilizer companies in Southwest China, has reached 2.29 yuan per cubic meter, with expectations of further increases during the winter heating season [1] - The market price of urea has dropped to 1500 yuan per ton, leading to a situation where production costs exceed selling prices, resulting in zero marginal contribution for companies [1] - Companies in the region are facing high inventory levels and are compelled to reduce or halt production due to unsustainable pricing dynamics [1] Group 2 - There are over 100 gas-based chemical enterprises in Southwest China, consuming nearly 10 billion cubic meters of gas annually, with urea production capacity projected at approximately 8.3 million tons in 2024 [2] - The industry emphasizes its strategic importance for spring agricultural supply and calls for government attention to optimize the natural gas pricing mechanism for sustainable development [2]