Japan’s finished lubricants consumption declined 12%, and its production increased 3% in February, while lubricant exports dropped by 17%, compared to volumes in the same month last year, according to data released by a government agency last week.
Domestic sales of lubricants declined to 111,559 kiloliters (100,000 metric tons), down from 127,473 kL.
Japan’s lubes production in February increased to 168,291 kL, compared to 163,569 kL. That was the lowest production volume since 166,946 kL last October, which was the first-time production had fallen below 194,00 kL since last February.
The country’s lubricant exports tumbled down to 51,381 kL, from 61,837 kL. February’s exports volume this year was lower than in any month last year except October, when it was down at 44,347 kL.
Imports of lubricants into Japan fell 62% to 11,138 kL, compared to 29,472 tons. The 11,138 kL was only higher than in two months last year – September’s 6,987 kL and November’s 4,355 kL.