Australia’s lube demand rose in June for an eleventh month even as industrial oils consumption fell for the first time in more than a year.

Total lube consumption of 27,500 kilolitres (24,400t) in June rose by 2pc from year-earlier levels, government data showed.

The sustained rise in demand lifted total consumption to 157,100kl in first-half 2023, up 6pc from 148,600kl during the same period last year.

Demand rose during that period mostly because of rising consumption of industry-related lubricants.

The trend contrasted with other markets in Asia-Pacific, where stronger demand for engine oils supported total lubricants consumption.

The dynamic was more mixed in June.

Sales of heavy-duty engine oils rose by 3pc and for an eighth month in nine from year-earlier levels.

But consumption of industrial oils fell by 3pc in June. The contraction was the first in fourteen months.