While the first quarter’s demand of 87,000 tons last year was up slightly at 1% year year-on-year, demand in the second quarter was down 7%, while also at 87,000 tons, the association said in a statistics report in its February newsletter. The association noted that the third quarter stood out, with its 80,000 tons representing an 8% increase compared to 2022’s same period. The fourth quarter’s 88,000 tons showed further growth, a 14% rise.

The statistics indicated that automotive lubricants accounted for 42% of Spain’s lubricant demand last year, followed by 34% for industrial, 8% for marine and aviation lubricants and 14% accounted for by process oils.

The association noted that while marine and aviation lubricants account for a small percentage, the segment showed the most growth in demand last year, with a 16% increase. Industrial lubricants consumption was up 4%, and process oils experienced a 1% increase. Although automotive remained by far the largest demand category, it was unchanged from 2022.

Aselube members represent more than 81% of the lubricant market in Spain.