Following a pipeline explosion at the BASF refinery in Ludwigshafen last week the company decided to shut down its steamer crackers and other plants. According to the company naphtha imports have been halted and derivatives have been affected.

BASF has launched an investigation as to the cause of the blast. In addition to the material damages, at least two people died, six have been injured and several people are still unaccounted for. A highly visible cloud of smoke could be seen throughout the Ludwigshafen area.