- But naphtha fundamentals have improved this week for sellers as supplies were not as plentiful as before, traders said.

- This has supported prices by either keeping them stable or pushing them higher than before.

- South Korea's GS Caltex, for instance, paid a premium of around $7 a tonne for heavy full-range naphtha scheduled for first-half April delivery.

- This was similar to the premiums Hanwha Total paid on Feb. 20 and premiums SK Energy paid on Feb. 8.

- LG Chem had also bought naphtha for first-half April delivery but of a lighter grade at premiums of about $2 a tonne.

- It was unclear if the fuel was scheduled for Yeosu or Daesan arrival as LG Chem operates a cracker each at these locations.

- LG Chem on Feb. 12 paid 50 cents a tonne premium for naphtha scheduled for Feb. 12 arrival at Yeosu.

- Some buyers who were out to seek term cargoes could have been affected by the stronger fundamentals, traders said.