< LARTC Homepage

This preview is part of the LATAM Petrochemical Outlook 2026, based on discussions held at the LARTC Petrochemical Advisory Board in partnership with APLA. 

Bringing together senior leaders from across Latin America’s petrochemical value chain, the session explored the strategic challenges, investment priorities and operational realities shaping the future of the region’s downstream industry. 

In this preview, we explore why closer integration between refining and petrochemical operations is becoming a strategic priority, and how companies are looking to unlock greater value across the downstream value chain. 

Looking beyond traditional operating models 

As global competition intensifies and margins come under increasing pressure, industry leaders are looking beyond individual assets to improve performance. 

Rather than treating refining and petrochemical operations as separate businesses, participants highlighted the growing opportunity to strengthen connections across the value chain. 

Throughout the discussion, refinery–petrochemical integration emerged as a practical way to improve efficiency, maximise feedstock utilisation and create more resilient operations. 

The conversation reflected a broader shift in thinking—from optimising individual facilities to optimising the entire downstream ecosystem.

Unlocking greater operational efficiency 

Participants discussed a number of areas where closer integration is already delivering value. 

Energy integration, utilities optimisation and shared infrastructure were all highlighted as opportunities to improve operational performance while reducing costs. 

By taking a more integrated approach, companies can identify efficiencies that may not be visible when refining and petrochemical operations are managed independently. 

Several organisations also shared examples of ongoing initiatives focused on improving energy efficiency and strengthening operational links between refinery and petrochemical assets.

Building resilience across the value chain 

Beyond operational improvements, participants also viewed integration as an important way to strengthen resilience. 

Feedstock availability, refinery reliability and downstream production are closely connected, meaning disruptions in one part of the value chain can have significant consequences elsewhere. 

Closer coordination between refining and petrochemical operations can help improve flexibility, strengthen supply security and support more informed operational decision-making. 

As market conditions become increasingly complex, many participants suggested that integrated planning will become even more important for maintaining competitiveness. 

More than an operational conversation 

The discussion made clear that refinery–petrochemical integration is no longer simply an engineering or operational consideration. 

Instead, it is becoming a strategic business priority, influencing investment decisions, long-term planning and the way companies position themselves for future growth. 

As producers look to capture greater value from regional feedstocks and improve overall competitiveness, stronger integration across the downstream sector is expected to play an increasingly important role. 

Refinery–petrochemical integration is just one of the themes explored in the LATAM Petrochemical Outlook 2026. 

The full report also examines competitiveness, feedstock strategy, digital transformation, investment priorities and the long-term outlook for Latin America’s downstream industry. 

Download the report to explore the complete findings from the Advisory Board. 

What’s next? 

These issues will be explored in greater depth at LARTC 2026, taking place 8–10 September 2026 in Buenos Aires, where refiners, petrochemical producers, technology providers and industry leaders will examine the operational, commercial and strategic trends shaping Latin America’s downstream sector. 

Download the full LATAM Petrochemical Outlook 2026 to explore the complete findings from the Advisory Board, or continue the conversation in person at LARTC 2026.