Italy’s July lube demand rises

Italy’s lube demand rose in July for a second month and at its fastest pace since January amid rebounding consumption of industrial oils.

Lubricants consumption of 34,300t in July rose from 33,900t in June and by 8pc from year-earlier levels, government data showed.

Industrial oils demand rose by 17pc in July and for a third month from year-earlier levels.

The increase outpaced the 3pc rise in consumption of automotive lubricants.

Demand for heavy-duty engine oils (HDEO) rose by 7pc in July and for the first time in six months.

Stronger HDEO demand outpaced the rise in passenger-car motor oils consumption for just the second time in the past nineteen months.