Global base oils exports to Kenya fell in February as a slowdown in shipments from Europe outweighed an unusually large volume of supplies from the US.The rise in supplies from the US came at a time when the country sought to clear a swathe of surplus base oils shipments in overseas markets.The drop in supplies from Europe coincided with the start of maintenance-work on a key base oils unit in the Netherlands in February.The country is typically the main source of supplies in Europe for shipments to Kenya.Signs of a persistent supply surplus in the US early in the year boosted the attraction of lining up more shipments to African markets like Kenya.The prospect of a further drop in Europe’s base oils supply could conversely curb the availability of shipments for overseas markets like Africa.Outlets like Kenya are also likely to attract growing interest from other markets with growing base oils production capacity, such as India and Saudi Arabia.Base oils exports of close to 7,200 tonnes to Kenya in February fell from more than 8,500 tonnes the previous month, government data showed.The slowdown cut total shipments to the East African country to around 22,000 tonnes in the three months to February.The volume was down from 23,200 tonnes during the same period last year.Exports fell during that period because of a drop in shipments from Europe.An unusual surge in supplies from the US in February cushioned the slowdown.Exports of close to 1,700 tonnes from the US to Kenya in February were the highest in years.The volume exceeded Kenya’s total imports from the US of less than 1,500 tonnes in all of 2023.Its imports from the US exceeded the 500-tonne/month level just three times since 2016..US’ February base oils exports improve.Netherlands’ January supply improves.Global exports to Kenya rise in Jan
