NPRA's 31st International Petrochemical Conference Opens in San Antonio; General Colin...

SAN ANTONIO -- NPRA, the National Petrochemical & Refiners Association, today convenes its 31st International Petrochemical Conference (IPC), the world's premier petrochemical meeting. Over 3,500 petrochemical executives representing about 600 companies from 48 countries are expected to

attend. NPRA Vice Chairman Norm Phillips, Vice President, Lyondell Chemical Company, will preside over the three-day conference at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center. Gen. Colin Powell, USA (Ret.) will deliver the keynote address at the sold-out International Petrochemical Luncheon.

"As 2006 unfolds, the global recovery in petrochemicals continues, fueled by strong economic growth led by the U.S. and Asia Pacific," said Norm Phillips, NPRA Vice Chairman. "Most economists agree that it should be another good year with solid economic growth.

"However, with domestic feedstock prices among the highest in the world, we need strong action to encourage increased supplies of domestically produced natural gas to help maintain the competitiveness of petrochemical and other U.S. manufacturers. Although the energy bill included a provision to make it easier to site LNG terminals in the U.S., it didn't include language to significantly increase much-needed supplies of natural gas. We believe that Congress needs to act both to allow ANWR production and increase domestic natural gas development from the Outer Continental Shelf. This will remain a major NPRA issue in 2006."

This year's IPC program features a group of distinguished international speakers who will offer their perspectives on current conditions facing the global petrochemical industry. These include prospects for petrochemicals in Asia, especially India, the impact of the revisions to MARPOL Annex II which will affect the availability of double hull tankers, the outlook for worldwide oil and natural gas supplies, including LNG, as well as insights on political, economic, military and security-related events around the world. The keynote speaker at Tuesday's luncheon is General Colin Powell, USA (Ret.) who will share his thoughts on the role of diplomacy in the U.S. government's international relationships.

Monday morning's Keynote Breakfast features Mukesh D. Ambani, Chairman & Managing Director, Reliance Industries, Ltd., and Dr. Volker Trautz, President & Chief Executive Officer, Basell Polyolefins. Mr. Ambani will give his perspectives on the current outlook for the petrochemical industry in Asia, especially in India. Dr. Trautz will present his viewpoints on the international petrochemical marketplace. The Supply Chain Forum on Monday morning features Alan Braithwaite, Executive Chairman of LCP Consulting, who will share his expertise on effective supply chain management, and Howard Snaith, Director Marine & Chemicals for INTERTANKO, who will provide an overview of the revisions to MARPOL Annex II and their potential effect on the chemical tanker marketplace.

Tuesday morning's Petrochemical Forum features Dr. George Friedman, Chairman of Stratfor, an intelligence firm, who will provide his viewpoints on issues regarding the major oil producing regions of the world, and Dr. George Intille, Vice President for SRI Consulting, who will discuss the worldwide oil and natural gas outlook, including for liquefied natural gas.

In 2006, NPRA will continue its aggressive public policy advocacy on important issues facing both the U.S. petrochemical and refining industries: adequate supplies of affordable natural gas and natural gas liquids; facility security concerns; and policies affecting environmental controls on facilities and products. All of these issues are crucial to maintaining a strong and diverse domestic petrochemical industry.

NPRA is a national trade association with more than 450 members, including virtually all U.S. refiners and petrochemical manufacturers.