" --> Analysis – April

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Domestic sales of refined petroleum products in April 2009 totalled 7.5 million cubic metres, down 238.0 thousand cubic metre (-3.1%) from the same month a year earlier.

The decline in sales was led by a 264.8 thousand cubic metre (-13.0%) decrease in diesel fuel oil and a 222.0 thousand cubic metres (-52.2%) decline in petrochemical feedstock. Light fuel oil mainly used for heating purposes declined by 33.8 thousand cubic metres (-11.2%).

Motor gasoline sales were up 144.5 thousand cubic metres (+4.4%) above April 2008. Sales of aviation turbo fuel (including kerosene and naphtha), heavy fuel oil and the 'other' refined petroleum products category all posted increases.

Refinery production in April 2009 totalled 8.3 million cubic metres, down 1,292.7 thousand cubic metres (-13.5%) from the same month a year earlier. For the most part the decline was related to seasonal refinery turnaround and maintenance programs.

The largest decrease in refinery production in April was reported in diesel fuel oil, down 507.2 thousand cubic metres (-22.6%) compared to the same month a year earlier. Motor gasoline declined by 277.3 thousand cubic metres (-8.5%). Heavy fuel oil declined 269.5 thousand cubic metres (-36.3%).

Crude oil and equivalent received by refineries in April 2009 totalled 7.7 million cubic metres, 832.0 thousand cubic metres (-9.7) below the same month a year earlier. Receipts of domestic crude oil declined by 647.3 thousand cubic metres (-15.3%). Imports were down 184.7 thousand cubic metres (-4.3%).

Imports represented 53.6% of crude oil refinery requirements. OPEC crude oils accounted about 44% of imported supplies. The North Sea (Norway and the United Kingdom) supplied and additional 26% of import requirements.

Crude oil and refined petroleum product inventories held by refineries and major distributors closed April 2009 at 14.6 million cubic metres, 544.1 thousand cubic metres (-3.6%) below a year earlier.

Of this volume petroleum product inventories totaled 11.1 million cubic metres, 389.8 thousand cubic metres (-3.4) below closing April 2008. The 'other' products category, petrochemical feedstock, light fuel oil and heavy fuel oil inventories fell below a year earlier.