Base oil production in the United States decreased 1% in May, while production through the first five months of the year was up 5%, both compared to the corresponding periods of last year, according to the latest data from a federal agency.
The country produced 5.5 million barrels in May, the Energy Information Administration reported, compared to 5.6 million barrels in May of 2021. The May volume was the highest since 5.6 million barrels in July 2021. Sequentially, May’s production was up 13% from 4.9 million barrels in April.
Year-to-date through May, output was 24.8 million barrels, up from 23.6 million barrels.
May’s more than 4.6 million barrels of paraffinic base oil production was down less than 1% from less than 4.7 million barrels and was the highest monthly volume since 4.7 million barrels in September last year. Sequentially, May’s total was up 14% from 4.1 million barrels in April.
Paraffinic production for the first five months of the year was 20.9 million barrels, 6% higher than the 19.7 million barrels from the same period of last year.
Refiners made 893,000 barrels of naphthenic base oil production in May – the highest monthly total this year and highest for a month since 909,000 barrels in August 2021 – which was down 1% from 905,000 barrels in May of 2021. Sequentially, May’s volume was up 9% from 822,000 barrels in April.
For the first five months of this year, naphthenic base oil production was up 1% at 3.9 million barrels.