Pakistan’s lube demand fell to a nine-month low in April as slowing economic growth compounded a seasonal slowdown in consumption.

Lubricating oil consumption of 9,990t in April fell from 12,150t the previous month and by 35pc from year-earlier levels, according to Oil Companies Advisory Council.

The slowdown cut total lube demand to 47,200t in the first four months of the year, down 10pc from 52,370t during the same period a year earlier.

Lube consumption fell in response to slowing economic activity.

The country’s automobile sales fell in April for a tenth month and by 50pc from year-earlier levels.

Transport lube demand fell by 34pc in April to 6,630t. Industrial oils consumption fell by 37pc to a fifteen-month low of 2,950t.