SUPPLY/DEMAND

Japan’s Crude Imports Rose In December, But Down For 2011

Japanese crude oil imports averaged 3.872mn b/d in December 2011, an increase of 8.9% over the November 2011 average of 3.555mn b/d, according to monthly import data released by Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) on 31 January. The ministry also announced that Japanese crude imports for 2011 were 4% lower than for 2010, at an average 3.57mn b/d. The reduction for the year was...