Italy’s September lube demand rises

Italy’s lube demand rose in September for a fourth month on the back of firm consumption of automobile and industrial lubricants.

Total lube demand of 34,800t in September rose by 5pc from year-earlier levels, government data showed.

Consumption jumped by 49pc from 23,300t the previous month amid a seasonal revival in activity after the summer holidays.

Consumption of 288,400t in the first nine months of the year were up from year-earlier levels of 287,000t.

Consumption had previously lagged year-earlier levels in the first eight months of the year.

Demand got a boost from a 7pc rise in consumption of automobile lubricants in September and a 4pc rise in demand for industrial lubricants.

The pace of the rise in industrial lube demand slowed from 12pc growth in August amid slowing consumption of hydraulic oils and metalworking fluids.