Houston, April 13, 2005 -- Lyondell Chemical Company (NYSE:LYO) is expanding its oxygenated solvents product line with the addition of a new solvent, ARCOSOLV? PMP, propylene glycol methyl ether propionate.

ARCOSOLV PMP is a non-HAP glycol ether ester. Its broad solvency and slow evaporation rate make it an excellent replacement for ethylene glycol ethyl ether acetate (EEA). ARCOSOLV PMP can be used in a variety of industrial coating systems, including acrylics, alkyds, urethanes, and baking enamels.

"With physical properties similar to EEA, ARCOSOLV PMP solvent is essentially a drop-in replacement for EEA in many applications," says Janet Miertschin, marketing manager, Lyondell. "We are looking forward to working with our customers to assist them in their reformulation efforts."

In addition to being an excellent EEA replacement, ARCOSOLV PMP can replace Exxate? 600 and 700 solvents, which were discontinued by ExxonMobil Chemical in 2004, in industrial coating applications.

ARCOSOLV PMP is currently available in drum quantities. Bulk shipments will be available starting Q2 2005. For replacement formulations and other technical information, please visit www.arcosolvpmp.com.

In addition to ARCOSOLV PMP, Lyondell offers an extensive product line of oxygenated solvents, including P-Series (propylene-based) and E-Series (ethylene-based) ethers and acetates, TBAcT brand of tertiary butyl acetate, and N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP).

Lyondell Chemical Company, headquartered in Houston, Texas, is North America's third-largest independent, publicly traded chemical company. Lyondell is a major global manufacturer of basic chemicals and derivatives including ethylene, propylene, titanium dioxide, styrene, polyethylene, propylene oxide and acetyls. It also is a significant producer of gasoline blending components. The company has a 58.75 percent interest in LYONDELL-CITGO Refining LP, a refiner of heavy, high- sulfur crude oil. Lyondell is a global company operating on five continents and employs approximately 10,000 people worldwide.

ARCOSOLV is a trademark of BP and is licensed to Lyondell Chemical Company. Exxate? 600 and 700 are registered trademarks of ExxonMobil Corporation. TBAc is a trademark of Lyondell Chemical Company.

SOURCE: Lyondell Chemical Co.

CONTACT:
Eric Stebel
713-309-3987
eric.stebel@lyondell.com