Brazil’s base oil production rose 9% in April, while base oil imports jumped 14%, according to government data released today.
Base oil production – mainly API Group I – in the South American country was up at 45,000 tons, compared to 41,000 tons, the National Agency of Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels showed in its data. That was the second-highest volume for a month this year, behind 48,000 tons in January.
Through the first four months of this year, Brazil’s base oil production reached 164,000 tons, 3% less than for the same period last year.
Brazil imported 57,000 metric tons in March, an increase from 50,000 tons. That was close to the range of volumes for the previous months this year, which were in the 51,000-58,000 tons range.
Through the first four months of this year, base oil imports were up 8% at 223,000 tons, compared to 207,000 tons.
In April, Brazil’s base oil exports volume was unchanged at 8,000 tons.