Operation of the naphtha cracker in Mizushima (Kurashiki, Okayama) of Asahi Kasei Mitsubishi Chemical Ethylene Corp. (Head office: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President: Makoto Sakamoto), a joint venture between Asahi Kasei Corp. (Head office: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President: Hideki Kobori) and Mitsubishi Chemical Corp. (Head office: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President: Hiroaki Ishizuka) was suspended in the morning of July 27th due to a malfunction in its refrigeration system. A detailed inspection of the facility is currently being planned, and the re-start schedule will be determined after completion of the inspection.