Finished lubricants consumption in Japan rose by 40%, and lubricants production jumped 49%, while lube imports fell 80% in November, according to data released Wednesday by the Japan Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.
The nation consumed 155,356 kiloliters (194,000 metric tons) of lubes in November, rising from 145,128 kL in the same month last year. That was the fourth highest monthly demand total this year.
Lubricants production climbed to 216,166 kL in November, compared to 145,128 kL. It marked the sixth time the monthly production total exceeded 200,000 tons this year.
Lube exports in November increased 8% to 58,286 kL, up from 53,885 kL. That was the fourth lowest export volume for a month this year.
November’s lube imports dropped to 4,355 kL, compared with 21,704 kL. That was the lowest import volume for a month this year, with 6,987 kL in September being the second lowest.
Earlier this year, the ministry also began releasing monthly data for greases in metric tons. Japan’s grease production totaled 5,121 tons in November, and domestic consumption was 4,073 tons. Grease imports amounted to 233 tons during the month, and grease exports were at 59 tons. Year-on-year comparative data for greases will be available starting in April 2023.