SASOL LIMITED: PRODUCTION AND SALES METRICS FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
Sasol has released its production and sales metrics for H2 2024, highlighting several operational challenges and developments. The company took a Final Investment Decision for a destoning solution at Secunda Operations, with operations expected to start in H1 FY26. Civil unrest in Mozambique affected the Central Processing Facility, though it has since returned to full capacity.
A fire at the Natref refinery on January 4, 2025, caused infrastructure damage, with repairs expected to complete by February 2025. Secunda Operations faced challenges due to coal quality issues affecting gasifier and equipment availability. While International Chemicals revenue improved compared to H1 FY24, sales volumes were impacted by the East Cracker outage, which resumed operations in November 2024.
The company maintained its Mining and Gas guidance but revised SO and Natref volume outlook downward. ORYX production guidance was increased, while International Chemicals sales volume guidance was adjusted to 4-8% lower than FY24 due to weak demand and operational issues.
Sasol ha pubblicato i suoi dati di produzione e vendita per il secondo semestre del 2024, evidenziando diverse sfide e sviluppi operativi. L'azienda ha preso una Decisione Finale di Investimento per una soluzione di destonatura presso le Operazioni di Secunda, con l'avvio delle attività previsto per il primo semestre dell'anno fiscale 2026. I disordini civili in Mozambico hanno colpito la Struttura di Elaborazione Centrale, sebbene sia tornata da allora alla piena capacità.
Un incendio presso la raffineria di Natref il 4 gennaio 2025 ha causato danni infrastrutturali, con i lavori di riparazione che dovrebbero completarsi entro febbraio 2025. Le Operazioni di Secunda hanno affrontato difficoltà a causa di problemi di qualità del carbone che hanno influito sulla disponibilità del gasificatore e delle attrezzature. Sebbene i ricavi dei prodotti chimici internazionali siano migliorati rispetto al primo semestre dell'anno fiscale 2024, i volumi di vendita sono stati influenzati dall'interruzione dell'East Cracker, che ha ripreso le operazioni a novembre 2024.
L'azienda ha mantenuto le sue previsioni di Mining e Gas, ma ha rivisto al ribasso le prospettive di volume per SO e Natref. Le previsioni di produzione di ORYX sono state aumentate, mentre la previsione di volume di vendita dei prodotti chimici internazionali è stata adattata a un ribasso del 4-8% rispetto all'anno fiscale 2024 a causa della domanda debole e dei problemi operativi.
Sasol ha publicado sus métricas de producción y ventas para el segundo semestre de 2024, destacando varios desafíos operacionales y desarrollos. La compañía tomó una Decisión Final de Inversión para una solución de destonificación en las Operaciones de Secunda, con operaciones previstas para comenzar en el primer semestre del año fiscal 2026. Los disturbios civiles en Mozambique afectaron la Instalación de Procesamiento Central, aunque desde entonces ha vuelto a su capacidad completa.
Un incendio en la refinería de Natref el 4 de enero de 2025 causó daños en la infraestructura, con reparaciones que se espera finalicen en febrero de 2025. Las Operaciones de Secunda enfrentaron desafíos debido a problemas de calidad del carbón que afectaron la disponibilidad del gasificador y el equipo. Aunque los ingresos de productos químicos internacionales mejoraron en comparación con el primer semestre del año fiscal 2024, los volúmenes de ventas se vieron afectados por la interrupción del East Cracker, que reanudó operaciones en noviembre de 2024.
La compañía mantuvo su guía de Minería y Gas, pero revisó a la baja las perspectivas de volumen para SO y Natref. La guía de producción de ORYX se incrementó, mientras que la guía de volumen de ventas de productos químicos internacionales se ajustó a un 4-8% por debajo del año fiscal 2024 debido a la débil demanda y a los problemas operacionales.
사솔은 2024년 하반기 생산 및 판매 지표를 발표하며 여러 운영상의 도전과 발전을 강조했습니다. 회사는 세쿤다 운영의 탈석영 솔루션에 대한 최종 투자 결정을 내렸으며, 운영은 2026 회계연도 상반기에 시작될 예정입니다. 모잠비크의 시민 불안은 중앙 처리 시설에 영향을 미쳤으나, 이후에는 전면적인 가동을 재개했습니다.
2025년 1월 4일 나트레프 정유소에서 발생한 화재는 기반 시설에 손상을 주었으며, 수정작업은 2025년 2월까지 완료될 것으로 예상됩니다. 세쿤다 운영은 가스화기와 장비의 가용성에 영향을 미치는 석탄 품질 문제로 어려움을 겪었습니다. 국제 화학 제품의 수익은 2024 회계연도 상반기와 비교하여 개선되었지만, 판매량은 2024년 11월에 재개된 이스트 크래커의 가동 중단으로 영향을 받았습니다.
회사는 광업 및 가스에 대한 가이드를 유지했지만 SO 및 나트레프의 볼륨 전망을 하향 조정했습니다. ORYX 생산 가이드는 증가했으며, 국제 화학 제품의 판매량 가이드는 수요 약세 및 운영 문제로 인해 2024 회계연도 대비 4-8% 낮추어 조정되었습니다.
Sasol a publié ses indicateurs de production et de vente pour le deuxième semestre 2024, mettant en lumière plusieurs défis opérationnels et développements. L'entreprise a pris une Décision Finale d'Investissement pour une solution de désablage à Secunda Operations, dont les activités devraient commencer au premier semestre de l'exercice 2026. Les troubles civils au Mozambique ont affecté l'usine de traitement central, bien qu'elle ait depuis retrouvé sa pleine capacité.
Un incendie à la raffinerie de Natref le 4 janvier 2025 a causé des dommages aux infrastructures, et les réparations devraient être achevées d'ici février 2025. Les opérations de Secunda ont rencontré des difficultés en raison de problèmes de qualité du charbon affectant la disponibilité du gazéificateur et de l'équipement. Bien que les revenus des produits chimiques internationaux se soient améliorés par rapport au premier semestre de l'exercice 2024, les volumes de vente ont été impactés par l'arrêt de l'East Cracker, qui a repris ses opérations en novembre 2024.
L'entreprise a maintenu ses prévisions pour le secteur Minier et Gaz, mais a révisé à la baisse les perspectives de volume pour SO et Natref. Les prévisions de production d'ORYX ont été augmentées, tandis que les prévisions pour le volume de vente des produits chimiques internationaux ont été ajustées à une baisse de 4-8% par rapport à l'exercice 2024 en raison d'une demande faible et de problèmes opérationnels.
Sasol hat seine Produktions- und Verkaufskennzahlen für das zweite Halbjahr 2024 veröffentlicht, wobei mehrere betriebliche Herausforderungen und Entwicklungen hervorgehoben wurden. Das Unternehmen hat eine endgültige Investitionsentscheidung für eine Entsteinigungsanlage bei den Secunda-Betrieben getroffen, deren Betrieb voraussichtlich im ersten Halbjahr des Geschäftsjahres 2026 beginnen wird. Bürgerunruhen in Mosambik hatten Auswirkungen auf die zentrale Verarbeitungsanlage, die jedoch mittlerweile wieder die volle Kapazität erreicht hat.
Ein Feuer in der Raffinerie Natref am 4. Januar 2025 hat zu Infrastrukturschäden geführt, die laut Prognose bis Februar 2025 repariert werden sollen. Die Secunda-Betriebe sahen sich aufgrund von Kohlequalitätsproblemen, die die Verfügbarkeit von Vergasern und Geräten beeinträchtigten, mit Herausforderungen konfrontiert. Während die Erlöse aus internationalen Chemikalien im Vergleich zum ersten Halbjahr des Geschäftsjahres 2024 gesteigert wurden, waren die Verkaufsvolumina aufgrund der Stilllegung des East Cracker betroffen, der im November 2024 wieder in Betrieb genommen wurde.
Das Unternehmen hielt an seiner Prognose für Bergbau und Gas fest, hat jedoch die Aussichten für die Volumen der SO- und Natref-Betriebe nach unten korrigiert. Die Produktionsprognose für ORYX wurde erhöht, während die Prognose für Verkaufsvolumina internationaler Chemikalien aufgrund schwacher Nachfrage und betrieblicher Probleme auf 4-8% unter dem Geschäftsjahr 2024 angepasst wurde.
- International Chemicals revenue improved compared to H1 FY24
- ORYX production volume guidance revised upwards
- East Cracker successfully restarted in November 2024
- Implementation of destoning solution approved to improve coal quality
- Fire damage at Natref refinery causing production disruption until February 2025
- Operational challenges at Secunda Operations due to coal quality issues
- International Chemicals sales volume guidance reduced by 4-8% from FY24
- Civil unrest in Mozambique affecting Central Processing Facility operations
- Downward revision of SO and Natref volume outlook
Insights
Sasol's H1 FY25 operational update presents a mixed picture with several significant operational challenges but also strategic improvements in key areas. The implementation of a destoning solution at Secunda Operations represents a important strategic investment to address persistent coal quality issues that have been hampering production efficiency. This development, with expected implementation in H1 FY26, should help mitigate one of Sasol's core operational challenges.
The operational landscape faces multiple headwinds:
- The Natref refinery fire impact will likely create short-term supply chain disruptions and require additional costs for product purchases to maintain market commitments through February 2025
- Mozambique's civil unrest affecting the Central Processing Facility highlights geopolitical risks in Sasol's operations, though the return to full capacity is encouraging
- Coal quality complications continue to affect gasifier and equipment availability at Secunda Operations, which could pressure margins until the destoning solution is operational
The International Chemicals segment shows resilience despite challenges. The successful restart of the East Cracker in November 2024 is positive, though the 4-8% downward revision in sales volume guidance versus FY24 reflects broader market weakness. However, improved margins and effective cost management are helping to offset volume challenges.
The upward revision of ORYX production guidance stands out as a bright spot, potentially providing some counterbalance to challenges elsewhere in the portfolio. This update suggests a complex transition period for Sasol, with near-term operational headwinds but strategic investments that could improve operational stability from H1 FY26 onward.
Sasol took a Final Investment Decision (FID) in December 2024 for a destoning solution to enhance the coal quality supplied to Secunda Operations (SO), with beneficial operation of the solution expected in H1 FY26 which is earlier than the previous communicated date.
The civil unrest in
On 4 January 2025, a fire occurred at the Natref refinery that caused damage to supporting piping and infrastructure around the Crude Distillation Unit. Our team responded swiftly to contain the fire, with no reported injuries. Repairs are anticipated to be completed before the end of February 2025 and plans are being implemented, including product purchases to address supply shortfalls, where possible.
At SO we have experienced operational challenges, largely related to ongoing coal quality complications and the consequent impact on gasifier and equipment availability. The implementation of destoning and ongoing equipment reliability improvement initiatives are expected to improve production levels going forward.
International Chemicals revenue improved compared to H1 FY24, though the overall business environment remains challenging. Sales volumes in the quarter continued to be negatively impacted by the East Cracker outage in the US. However, the unit started up successfully in November 2024. Overall profitability has improved due to proactive management initiatives.
Market guidance for both Mining and Gas remains unchanged, with the annual volume outlook for SO and Natref revised downward due to the aforementioned challenges. Consequently, we expect sales volumes for Fuels and Chemicals Africa to be largely in line with FY24. Despite the operational challenges faced during the quarter, we remain committed to executing key self-help initiatives aimed at improving performance and mitigating the challenges we face.
ORYX production volume guidance was revised upwards.
Sales volume guidance for International Chemicals has been adjusted downward to 4 -
For further information, please contact:
Sasol Investor Relations,
Tiffany Sydow, VP Investor Relations
Telephone: +27 (0) 71 673 1929
investor.relations@sasol.com
View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sasol-limited-production-and-sales-metrics-for-the-six-months-ended-31-december-2024-302358310.html
SOURCE Sasol Limited
FAQ
What caused the production disruption at Sasol's (SSL) Natref refinery in January 2025?
How will Sasol's (SSL) destoning solution impact Secunda Operations?
What is the revised sales volume guidance for Sasol's (SSL) International Chemicals division?
How did civil unrest in Mozambique affect Sasol's (SSL) operations in December 2024?
