February 13, 2008 – LyondellBasell Industries announced today that it will stop producing High Melt Strength (HMS) polypropylene at its Varennes, Quebec site in April 2008. The HMS unit is expected to continue normal operations until then.

Yves Bonte, Senior Vice President of Polypropylene said, “LyondellBasell has been a leader in the HMS specialty polypropylene business for over 15 years. However, in light of our previously announced decision to close our Varennes site, where the HMS unit is located, further study concluded that continued HMS polypropylene production is not economically viable.”

Bonte added, “LyondellBasell has no alternate manufacturing capacity to produce HMS polypropylene. As a result we will be working with our customers to manage an orderly exit from this business.”

About LyondellBasell
LyondellBasell Industries is one of the world’s largest polymers, petrochemicals and fuels companies. We are the global leader in polyolefins technology, production and marketing; a pioneer in propylene oxide and derivatives; a significant producer of advanced fuel products; and the owner of one of North America’s largest full-conversion refineries. Through research and development, LyondellBasell develops innovative materials and technologies that deliver exceptional customer value and products that improve quality of life for people around the world. Headquartered in The Netherlands, LyondellBasell (www.lyondellbasell.com) is privately owned by Access Industries.