Indonesia’s base oils imports rose in September to the highest in more than four years, adding to signs of reviving demand in southeast Asia’s largest markets.Total base oils imports of 56,400t in September rose from 52,700t the previous month, government data showed.Imports rose by 30pc and for the fourth time in five months from year-earlier levels. They fell in three of the first four months of the year.Imports of 154,700t in the third quarter rose from 121,800t during the previous three months and by 17pc from year-earlier levels.The year-on-year increase in quarterly imports was the tenth in a row.Base oils imports extended their rise even as Indonesia’s economic growth slowed in the third quarter. The country’s automobile sales fell in September for a third month.Imports in September got a boost a sustained rise in shipments from Singapore.Shipments from the island-state held above 35,000t for the third time in four months. They exceeded that level once in the previous four years.Imports from Taiwan rose to more than 8,000t in September. The volume was the highest in thirteen months. The surge in imports contrasted with a slowdown in shipments from Taiwan to China in September.Imports from South Korea stayed lower than usual in September for a fourth month.Shipments held below 8,000t for the third time in four months. They averaged more than 12,000 t/month in 2022..Indonesia’s Sept Group III exports fall.Thailand’s Sept lube demand rises
