Japan’s March base oils output rises

Japan’s base oils output rose to an eight-month high in March, just weeks ahead of the start of a round of plant maintenance work in the country.

Output of 231,840 kilolitres (205,370t) in March rebounded from a one-year low of 169,290kl the previous month, government data showed.

The volume exceeded average levels of around 214,000 kl/month over the past year.

Production rose by 12pc and for a thirteenth straight month from year-earlier levels.

The period covered an unusually light round of plant maintenance work and scant unexpected production issues.