Guoxin Securities·2026-01-27 08:52Investment Rating - The report maintains an "Outperform" rating for the refining and chemical industry [10] Core Views - The refining and chemical industry is expected to experience a mid-term profit recovery due to long-term supply contraction and declining costs [1] - The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has issued a growth stabilization plan for the petrochemical industry, emphasizing the "reduce oil and increase chemicals" strategy [1][19] - The global oil price is projected to fluctuate within a comfortable range for refineries, with Brent crude oil expected to stabilize between $55 and $65 per barrel by 2026 [2] - The sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) market is anticipated to grow significantly, becoming a new source of demand after the peak of traditional oil products [4] Summary by Sections Industry Growth and Policy - The petrochemical industry is a crucial pillar of the national economy, with a target of over 5% annual growth in value added from 2025 to 2026 [19] - The industry is approaching a policy control line of 1 billion tons in refining capacity, leading to the gradual consolidation and elimination of smaller capacities [20][21] - The focus is on optimizing the structure of the industry, with support for the transformation of aging facilities and the demonstration of new technologies [1][19] Cost and Profitability - Recent adjustments in oil prices and the reduction of official Saudi oil prices (OSP) are expected to alleviate cost pressures on domestic refineries [2] - Despite a slowdown in demand growth for refined oil products, the profit margins for refineries are expected to improve due to structural optimization and cost reductions [2][8] Chemical Products and Market Dynamics - The supply-demand structure for PX and PTA is improving, with no new PX capacity expected until 2026, leading to increased profitability in the refining and chemical sectors [3] - The SAF market is projected to have a demand space exceeding 40 million tons by 2050, with significant capacity development expected in China [4][8] Key Companies and Recommendations - Key companies recommended for investment include China Petroleum, Rongsheng Petrochemical, and Tongkun Co., with strong positions in refining and chemical production [9][10] - China Petroleum is noted for its extensive refining capacity and integrated operations across the oil and gas value chain [9] - Rongsheng Petrochemical leads in PX and PTA production, benefiting from improved profitability in the aromatic and polyester chains [9]