Brazil’s Oct base oils output falls

Brazil’s base oils output fell to a more-than-three-year low in October, reflecting the impact of maintenance work on the country’s largest base oils unit.

Total output of 22,520mᶟ (19,950t) in October fell from 25,400mᶟ the previous month, government data showed.

The October volume fell from typical levels of close to 50,000mᶟ in the first half of the year to the lowest since June 2020.

The September volume was the second-lowest since July 2020. The August volume of around 42,000mᶟ was also well below typical levels.

The prolonged fall in base oils output during the second half of the year forced the country to turn to imports to cover more of its requirements.

Base oils supply fell in September and October because of a slump in output at Petrobras’ Group I unit at its Reduc refinery.

The unit was scheduled to undergo maintenance work from October 2023.