In 1998-1999, production in the chemical industry decreased. This was partially caused by the restructuring of businesses but also by low purchase prices in world markets, which affected the production of fuel oil made from oil shale.
Aastatel 1998–1999 keemiatoodang vähenes, mis oli osaliselt tinginud ettevõtete ümberstruktureerimisest, kuid samuti maailmaturul valitsenud ostuhindade madalseisust (mis mõjus näiteks põlevkivi kütteõli toodangule).