It was not seen in the spot market for naphtha lifting in first quarter from Suez.

EGPC has offered 35,000 tonnes for May 3-5 loading from Suez, and similar volumes for May 26-28 loading from the same port in a tender that closes on April 18, with bids to stay valid until April 22.

It also offered 25,000 tonnes for late May lifting from Alexandria in a tender which closes on April 28, with bids to stay valid until April 22.

"The unrest in Egypt may have hampered local demand," said a Singapore-based trader, explaining the recent April spot sales, and current May offers.

EGPC in December sealed term deals to sell a total of 525,000 tonnes of naphtha lifting from Suez from January-June with Total, Vitol and ConocoPhillips.

EGPC had recently sold 25,000 tonnes to BP, and another 35,000 tonnes to Noble for April lifting from Suez.