民营大炼化行业景气度回升

Core Viewpoint - The domestic refining market is gradually emerging from an adjustment period, supported by favorable policies and declining international crude oil prices, leading to improved market concentration and prosperity [1][2]. Group 1: Industry Performance - The profitability of major private refining companies, including Hengli Petrochemical, Rongsheng Petrochemical, Hengyi Petrochemical, and Dongfang Shenghong, has been steadily recovering since Q3 2025 [1]. - The integrated refining model and industrial chain advantages are key factors for these leading companies to withstand market fluctuations, improving their gross margins and overall industry prosperity [1][2]. - The refining capacity in China has reached 923 million tons as of 2024, nearing the 1 billion ton limit set by regulatory authorities, indicating the end of the expansion cycle [2]. Group 2: Cost and Pricing Dynamics - The average price of Brent crude oil was $68.17 per barrel in Q3 2025, a year-on-year decrease of 13.4%, while WTI crude oil averaged $64.97 per barrel, down 13.6% year-on-year [3]. - The decline in oil prices has reduced raw material procurement costs for refining companies and improved the price differentials of chemical products [3]. - The global refining capacity is experiencing a clear East-West differentiation, with older refineries in Europe and the U.S. being phased out, while Asian facilities continue to come online [3]. Group 3: Future Outlook - The industry is expected to continue its moderate recovery, although demand-side pressures remain a concern [5]. - The core variable affecting corporate profitability in 2026 will still be crude oil prices, with expectations of prices dropping to the marginal cost of shale oil [6]. - The refining market is anticipated to see a divergence in profits between chemical and refining sectors, with large refining companies benefiting from a higher proportion of chemical products [7].