OREANDA-NEWS. October 27, 2011. China's apparent oil demand in September stood at its lowest level of the year, according to a report from Platts released.

Apparent oil demand, based on an analysis by Platts of crude-oil statistics released by the Chinese government, grew 3.1% in September, year on year, to 36.63 million metric tons -- averaging 8.95 million barrels per day, the report said. It's the second-straight month that China's oil demand has slipped to less than 9 million barrels a day, Platts said.

"Refinery throughputs and net product imports declined due to scheduled maintenance and slowdown in demand for refined products," said Calvin Lee, Platts senior writer, China. "Chinese refineries are also reluctant to boost production too much because of depressed refining margins."