Japan’s crude oil imports in February increased...
From Times Wire Services
Japan’s crude oil imports in February increased 8.5% over a year ago to 120.1 million barrels, reflecting brisk domestic demand, according to the Ministry of International Trade and Industry.
Compared to January, the February figure was down 3.6% because of seasonal factors but still remained at a high level, ministry officials said in a preliminary report.
The officials said strong gasoline consumption as a result of brisk automobile sales and robust industrial demand were chiefly responsible for the increase in imports.
The United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Indonesia were the three major suppliers of oil to Japan in February.
Domestic production of fuel oil rose 7.6% to 96.69 million barrels.
