Petrolimex Petrochemical (PLC) was Vietnam’s largest base oils importer in September for the first time in 11 months as it imported its largest volume of supplies so far this year.PLC, which operates two blending plants in Vietnam, saw its share of base oils imports rise to more than 18pc of the total in September, provisional customs data showed.The share was up from little more than 10pc the previous month and less than 2pc in July.Its imports in September were also well above its 2021 share of more than 11pc of total shipments..PLC is 79pc owned by Vietnam National Petroleum Group (Petrolimex). Petrolimex also has a 35pc stake in Castrol BP Petco, its joint venture with BP.PLC and Castrol BP Petco have a combined share of 44pc of Vietnam’s lubricants market, according to Petrolimex.Vietnam’s base oils imports rebounded in September to a six-month high of almost 27,000t.The rise in shipments followed a seasonal slowdown during the third quarter. A slump in regional base oils prices also prompted buyers to hold back..Vietnam's Sept base oils imports rise.Vietnam is wholly reliant on imports to cover its base oils requirements. Its imports came to almost 200,000t in 2021.Chevron Lubricants Vietnam was the country’s second-largest base oils importer in September with a share more than 13pc of the total. Its imports had fallen sharply in August following a surge in shipments the previous month.Its share of imports so far this year rose sharply compared with the previous two years.Vietnam Lubricants and Chemicals (Vilube), a subsidiary of Motul Asia Pacific, was the country’s third-largest importer in September.Its share of less than 12pc of total imports fell from more than 20pc the previous month. Its volume of imports was relatively steady from August.JX Nippon Oil & Energy Vietnam, which operates a 36,000 kl/yr blending plant in Hai Phong, was the country’s fourth-largest importer in September. Its share rose to more than 11pc of the total. Its imports had been much lower during the previous two months..Castrol BP Petco Vietnam’s largest Aug base oils importer
