A company spokesperson explained that the rush for more kerosene stock was brought about by "unplanned shutdowns" of two of its seven refineries over the summer. Most Japanese oil refiners start building their kerosene inventories between late August to the end of September in anticipation for higher oil demand in winter.
The 'unplanned shutdowns' in August, came after Nippon Oil revealed it had falsified refinery inspection reports for its Osaka and Marifu refineries over the past several years, forcing the company to immediately shut the refineries and conduct inspections.
