Thailand’s March base oils output rises

Thailand’s base oils output rose in March, coinciding with a seasonal rise in the country’s demand.

Output of 59,990 kilolitres (53,140t) in March rose from a three-month low of 49,310kl in February, government data showed.

The volume was up from typical levels of around 51,000 kl/month over the past year.

The higher output mirrored a similar trend in other countries in Asia-Pacific as refiners sought to cover a strong pick-up in demand.

Increasingly firm base oils prices relative to diesel added to the incentive for producers to raise output.