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UK TO INCREASE TAXES ON WIND AND SOLAR FARMS: FT

China is set to import a record 800,000 tons of US ethane in April, up about 60% from average levels, according to consultant JLC, as Middle East disruptions from the Iran war and Strait of Hormuz constraints disrupt naphtha and LPG supplies. Ethane, used to produce ethylene for plastics, has become a key substitute feedstock due to stable supply and lower costs, with JLC noting ethylene margins from ethane are about ten times higher than naphtha as of April 15. Demand is also supported by new capacity from Wanhua Chemical Group and Sinopec Ineos (Tianjin) Petrochemical Co.. The International Energy Agency said petrochemical feedstocks have been most immediately affected by the conflict, while China’s imports also rise ahead of US-China talks expected around President Trump’s May visit to Beijing.