Synthetic rubber output up 13%

India’s synthetic rubber output during the 11 months ending February 2010 rose 12.6% on year to 98,280 tonnes from 87,251 tonnes, according to data released by the Rubber Board today. The demand for synthetic rubber rose 17.6% on year to 3,13,405 tonnes from 2,66,465 tonnes, it said. The volume of synthetic rubber import rose 28% on year to 2,24,948 tonnes from 1,75,595 tonnes. During February, synthetic rubber production rose 24% on year to 8,768 tonnes from 7,055 tonnes, while consumption moved up 30% to 31,440 tonnes as against 24,210 tonnes last year. Synthetic rubber import in February rose to 21,607 tonnes from 9,765 tonnes a year ago. India imports bulk of its synthetic rubber, a derivative of petroleum, and its price is closely linked to global crude oil prices.