ABSTRACT
Natural gas, particularly in the nations of the Western Pacific Basin (WPB), has begun to emerge as an important alternative energy source. Condensate is comprised of liquid hydrocarbons which are produced with natural gas and separated either in the field or upon processing of the gas with the express purpose of removing the condensable liquids. "Light" condensate, often called natural gasoline or light naphtha, is usually derived from gas processing. These condensates have gravities in excess of 80°API and yield more than 80% naphtha. The WPB alone will remain deficit in naphtha supplies by approximately 30,000 b/d in 1995, but the influx of naphtha from Middle East refineries will prove extremely difficult to absorb, competing with local naphtha for markets. The emerging surplus will require a large expansion of traditional—and development of nontraditional—markets for these materials if anything close to historical pricing patterns are to be maintained.
