Lubes news
Plains states have twice as much oil as previously thought
7th May, 2013
Williston Basin has twice as much oil and three times as much gas as previously estimated.
Oil pipeline agreement between Jordan and Iraq
25th April, 2013
Jordan and Iraq have signed an agreement to build a major oil pipeline between Basra and Aqaba
Weak crude demand causes MENA oil export economies to slow
23rd April, 2013
Economic growth in Middle East and North Africa oil-exporting countries is expected to fall this year.
Tags: Lubes news, Middle East
Geely to use Lukoil for factory fill
23rd April, 2013
Chinese automaker turns to Russia for transmission oils
China poised to top US for oil imports
23rd April, 2013
The US could drop to second place in the world's oil import league as China's energy hunger continues to increase.
Oil prices plunge on slow China GDP growth
23rd April, 2013
OPEC and Brent prices take a hit on China's growth news.
Sinopec to acquire $3bn of assets from parent company
23rd April, 2013
Oil major subsidiary to help offset refining losses as it follows global trend.
Singapore is keen to grow petrochemical industry
18th April, 2013
State administrators look to fuels production to enhance revenues
Two-wheeler lubes market growing in Asia, says Kline
23rd April, 2013
China sales slow to rise, but still accounts for significant sales of motorcycle oil.
China contemplates ConocoPhillips' Kazakh stake
22nd April, 2013
China is eyeing a share of the US exploration giant's Kazakh oil interests
Kearl oil sands project to start up soon
8th April, 2013
Imperial Oil says its Kearl oil sands project is set to come online in April.
Tags: Lubes news, North America
Myanmar is a promising market for lubes, oil and gas
5th April, 2013
A Shell distribution deal and oil block auctions could help revitalise the country's lubes and energy exploration sectors.
Iraq to spend $130bn on energy infrastructure as Libya picks up
21st March, 2013
Iraq will spend $130bn on developing the country's upstream sector, while Libya's output has also risen as a result of local and inward investment.
South Sudan and Sudan oil export agreement
14th March, 2013
South Sudan will restart pumping, exporting oil after agreement with Sudan
Sinopec to buy $1.02 billion of Chesapeake assets
22nd March, 2013
Chinese major takes on US oil and gas properties
CNPC and Sinopec spend big on refinery upgrades
22nd March, 2013
Cleaner fuel is motivation for refurbishment of refineries by China oil majors
Lubricants and changes in the global auto industry
13th March, 2013
A paper from Roland Berger's Bill Downey published after the London ICIS Conference 2013 which examines how changes in the global auto industry will affect the lubricants sector.
Report reveals Russian motor lubes demand
8th March, 2013
New research could provide key indicators for auto lubes demand in Russia to 2017.
Hebron oil project go ahead from ExxonMobil
20th February, 2013
ExxonMobil will develop the Hebron oil project off the coast of Newfoundland and Labrador
Ecopetrol and Shell hit by terrorist attacks
20th February, 2013
Two of Ecopetrol's main oil pipelines have been forced to shut down in Columbia, Shell is hit by Nigerian thefts and Yemen also suffers.
South Sudan may have its own oil pipeline
19th February, 2013
An outbreak of peace between the two Sudanese nations could mean a major new South-North oil pipeline build to start within the year.
CNPC-Rosneft in $30bn oil talks
22nd February, 2013
Cash-for-oil deal discussions underway between Chinese and Russian majors.
China demand to peak around 2030 says ExxonMobil
3rd January, 2012
A new global report from ExxonMobil forecasts China's oil demand to peak in 2030, but Asia will still drive growth.
Chinese fuel prices may rise in February
21st February, 2013
Global crude prices may affect domestic adjustments for China's fuel.
China Crude consumption rises, boosted by foreign supplies
21st February, 2013
China's crude oil consumption increased dramatically in 2012 thanks to surplus oil imports
China’s petrochemical output up in 2012
20th February, 2013
Output up but profits fall as China's petrochemical industry affected by economic cool-down.
More private enterprises enter China's oil industry
20th February, 2013
Private sector companies set their sights on oil and gas exploration.
Venezuela seeks $6bn in loans
20th February, 2013
Latin American nation is looking to fill a dollar gap with cash for oil deals with China and Chevron and
Ivory Coast oil discoveries may be beginning of boom
18th February, 2013
The end of the civil war in Ivory Coast may see a boom in oil output over the next five years.
Confused picture over Iranian sanctions
5th February, 2013
US Iranian sanctions are apparently having an impact on the country, but some exemptions are easing the energy situation.
Norwegian output to fall in 2013
1st February, 2013
Norwegian Petroleum Directorate is predicting a 5% fall in the nations total petrol output over the next 12 months.
Iran plans to increase crude oil production
29th January, 2013
Iran plans to increase crude oil production by 2016
IEA predicts tightening OECD supplies as global fuel demand rises
24th January, 2013
OECD and OPEC supplies are set to tighten as global fuel demand rises in 2013 according to a new report.
Myanmar pipeline to be completed by May
23rd January, 2013
Next piece of Beijing's energy plan forecast to be in place by Spring
China’s crude imports may rise by 5% in 2013
23rd January, 2013
Dependence on overseas oil continues to increase even as domestic output increases.
Daqing produces 40m tonnes of crude in 2012
23rd January, 2013
Oilfield continues high output for domestic oil and gas
Chevron and CNOOC to share production contracts
23rd January, 2013
Chevron to explore Pearl River Basin with Chinese counterpart
Statoil increases Brazil presence and boosts African reserves
8th January, 2013
Statoil is expanding its exploration in Brazil and has made a third offshore discovery in Tanzania
OPEC predicts strong 2013 output
4th January, 2013
Record 2012 may be followed by strong 2013 for the oil producing nations' conglomerate as US fuel prices escalate.
Gazprom plant construction close as Russian output hits record highs
4th January, 2013
Gazprom starts work on its new blending plant in Finland as Eastern European nations expand and Russian crude output hits record levels.
Chinese company to maintain Iran imports
28th December, 2012
Major Chinese supplier to maintain links with Iran despite sanctions
Outlook for energy to 2040
27th December, 2012
Exxon report shows oil as top energy resource, but demand for electricity will be the main driver of demand. OECD demand is likely to fall against non-OECD increases.
Tags: ExxonMobil, Lubes news
Chinese majors invest heavily in LNG
24th December, 2012
LNG stations are springing up across China, helped by oil majors' investment, as PetroChina buys into Australia's largest project.
Chinese oil demand to grow by 3.4% in 2013
24th December, 2012
Forecast shows modest growth in world's fastest growing oil consumer's demand.
New prospects for Kenyan oil production
4th December, 2012
Tullow has made a second oil discovery in Kenya adding to its African portfolio
New Ugandan oil legislation
8th December, 2012
Uganda's President signs controversial oil and exploration bill which opens the way for new exploration.
Total and OiLibya plant comes onstream
5th December, 2012
New world-class lubricant plant and oil product depot in Egypt in operation.
Jordan to get oil from Iraq
5th December, 2012
Iraq offers 100,000 barrels of crude to Jordan
Rail is new pipeline
4th December, 2012
Rail is the new pipeline to help the Western states keep up with the US oil production boom
Gulf blaze claims victims
26th November, 2012
The body of a Filipino worker has been found after a blaze on an oil platform in the Gulf of Mexico.
Tags: Lubes news, North America
China to become main buyer of Iraqi oil by 2030
21st November, 2012
China looks to Middle East nation to boost energy imports
BG Group sells $2bn LNG stake to CNOOC
21st November, 2012
Major Australian sell-off by UK-based energy group to Chinese state-owned producer.
China oil and gas production to rise significantly
21st November, 2012
Thew latest forecasts show China's oil and gas output will continue to rise exponentially until 2013
Sino-Kazakh pipeline could be at capacity within 2 years
21st November, 2012
Forecasts show new pipeline could be operating at full speed by 2014
Afghanistan shortlist
15th November, 2012
Middle East bidders on shortlist for new Afghanistan exploration project
Pertamina to split and move into Europe
12th November, 2012
Indonesian oil producer to split shipping and lubes, while taking lubes into European markets.
Gulf takes Houghton as Samsung wins Yanbu
12th November, 2012
Gulf OIl has won the race to buy Houghton International, while Samsung Engineering takes the the Saudi development contract to expand the Yanbu refinery.
Shell aims for Indian expansion
8th November, 2012
Shell is pushing for a greater share of the Indian lubes market.
China shores up oil loans in South America
25th October, 2012
Latin America increases cash-for-oil trade with China's Development Bank.
Sinopec flexes its energy muscle
25th October, 2012
Sinopec moves into coal and gas
China report shows boost for lubes industry
25th October, 2012
A new lubes report for China to 2015 shows positive news for the nation's lubes industry.
Tags: automotive industry, China, CNOOC, CNPC, Forecasts, Helix, Lubes news, Lubricants, Shell, Sinopec
CNOOC breaks ground on Yantai storage hub
19th October, 2012
CNOOC rivals Sinopec as it builds new storage facility
China delivers first supertanker to Iran
19th October, 2012
First of twelve VLCCs arrives in Middle East.
Sinopec boosts Asian and European storage
16th October, 2012
Sinopec is constructing a new facility in Asia and buying into major European storage.
Irish oil greater than first thought
10th October, 2012
Ireland's oil reserves appear to be significantly greater than first thought, according to Providence Oil.
Tags: Europe, Lubes news
Kyrgystan fuel supplies safe
9th October, 2012
Government officials seek to reassure country that fuel supplies are secure.
Statoil expands rigs and goes for shale
9th October, 2012
Norway's Statiol has expanded its rig capacity for local offshore drilling but is also looking further afield at shale opportunities
Shell opens new Russian plant
9th October, 2012
New facility north of Moscow could reduce Russian import volumes
Shenhua's coal-to-liquid oil products hit the market
24th September, 2012
Chinese company to start business from its megaton energy facility as it eyes Mongolian expansion
Sinochem wins government approval for $4.6bn refinery
24th September, 2012
Authorities give go-ahead for large refinery in Quanzhou
GS Caltex establishes Chinese unit
24th September, 2012
Korean company to expand China presence
CNOOC puts 26 offshore blocks up for tender
24th September, 2012
State-owned oil giant is looking to international bidders for exploration blocks
Indian lubes producer heads for Europe
12th September, 2012
An Indian state-owned lubes producer is set to open it's first European plant to boost sales of the Veedol brand.
Sri Lanka aims at expanding lubes exports
12th September, 2012
The Sri Lankan division of OIC is aiming at further overseas expansion.
US lubes consumption set for slow growth
11th September, 2012
A new report states that North American lubes commercial lubes consumption will only grow marginally over the next five years.
Lukoil to invest in Romanian plant
11th September, 2012
Russian oil major set to improve it's joint venture production facility.
Total boosts Asian presence
11th September, 2012
French oil producer aims at lubes market with new facility.
Shell to invest $1bn in China shale
24th August, 2012
Shell looks to exploit nation's massive shale gas resources
China's H1 crude growth far outpaced by natural gas fields
24th August, 2012
Gas production up as China's oil fields fail to deliver.
Exxon increases marine supply as CAO shelves avgas plans
22nd August, 2012
ExxonMobil is set to expand its marine supply operations in Shanghai, while CAO has shelved plans to build avgas storage in Malaysia.
China Base Oil Summit to be held September
22nd August, 2012
Country's largest annual oil and lubes conference to be hosted by Chengdu
Shell starts work on $100m lubes plant in Tianjin
22nd August, 2012
New plant will strengthen operational activities in China.
China's oil demand drops for the first time in three years
22nd August, 2012
Sharp drop in oil demand reflects slowdown in Chinese economy.
CNPC and CNOOC strengthen foreign ties
22nd August, 2012
China majors increase investment in drilling rights overseas.
South Koreans get busy in base oil
16th August, 2012
Two new deals put South Korean companies at the heart of Group III base oil projects
Shell extends Hyundai deal
16th August, 2012
Shell continues global OEM partnership with Korean car maker
ExxonMobil gets Group 1 nod
15th August, 2012
ExxonMobil gains OEM approval for all Group 1 Dealerships across the US.
Afton expands further into Asia
15th August, 2012
Afton Chemical is set to increase its Asian presence with a new manufacturing plant
Suncor seeks Chinese investors for oil sands projects
24th July, 2012
Canadian firm courting Chinese suitors to ease cost pressure
CNPC in talks to with Ecuador over $12.5bn refinery
24th July, 2012
China oil major looks to take on Pacifico operation.
CNOOC seeks foreign firms for offshore projects
22nd July, 2012
China oil giant is on the hunt for JVs to operate South China Sea oilfield blocks.
CNPC gains approval for LNG storage facility in Hainan
22nd July, 2012
China oil major set to develop major island shipping and storage operation
China invests $20bn in Iraqi oilfields
21st July, 2012
China's oil majors have committed to a significant drilling programme in two northern Iraqi oilfields.
Chevron consolidates gas oils
10th July, 2012
Chevron has consolidated its gas engine oils under a single brand
Norway averts oil shutdown
10th July, 2012
Government steps in to stop strike threat of a total shutdown of its oil industry
Tags: Europe, Lubes news
Castrol goes bio
9th July, 2012
Castrol has launched a new biolube range for the industrial sector.
CNPC shows interest in Norwegian oil
25th June, 2012
China oil giant may collaborate with Norway's state-owned producer.
CNOOC starts building $1.6bn crude facility
25th June, 2012
Taizhou refinery is underway for completion in two years.
Venezuela signs off China $8bn oil-for-loans deal
25th June, 2012
Venezuela makes China its largest creditor in an oil for cash deal.
Parkland unveils growth plan
7th June, 2012
'Penny Plan' set to boost Canadian fuel and lube distributor's profitability.
Tags: Lubes news, North America
Gambia signs exploration deal as Tanzania opens plant
11th June, 2012
Gambia has signed a join-US deal for oil exploration whilst Tanzania is set to open its first lubes plant.
Castrol Offshore in Bangladesh
8th June, 2012
BP's specialist arm has linked up with a key distributor to take on the Bangladesh market
Gulf Oil to reduce mining and expand oil
7th June, 2012
Hinduja-owned Gulf Oil may reduce its mining operations but will certainly expand its oil activities in India
Tags: India, Lubes news
Implied oil demand in China drops
29th May, 2012
April's oil demand figures show first annual decline in three years for the world's second largest oil consumer.
Pipeline delays won’t deter Chinese investors
15th May, 2012
China continues to pour money into Canada despite oil pipeline delay.
$1 trillion petro-dollar windfall could help China rebalance
15th May, 2012
Money from oil price fluctuations amongst OECD nations could work in China's favour to boost the country's economy.
Lubes boom in China continues
14th May, 2012
Analysts see lubes and grease demand continuing to grow over next five years.
Gazprom gets busy in oil, LNG and marine
4th April, 2012
Russian energy giant has a busy month announcing lubes deals and a new plant.
ADNOC to build new terminal
1st May, 2012
ADNOC is to build a new import terminal to help meet UAE fuel demands.
Tags: Lubes news, Middle East
Total goes for Uganda exploration
1st May, 2012
Total is to invest in exploration in Uganda as part of a partnership deal.
Chevron welcomes Asian retailers and new Canadian lubes facility
1st May, 2012
Chevron Malaysia is putting more of its Caltex service stations in the hands of retailers, while Crevier announces new facility
Ghana signs $1bn Chinese loan
19th April, 2012
Ghana will use Chinese finance to develop a major natural gas project.
Quick lube outlets drop, but female-owned mobiles may buck trend
2nd April, 2012
The latest US quick lube and lubes plus rankings reveal a fall in outlets and revenues, but a new Vegas-based franchise may add some dash to a dull market.
Busy time for Chevron in Sri Lanka
2nd April, 2012
Record earnings, a new plant site and political manouverings have kept Chevron Lanka busy at the start of the year.
China installs emergency oil tanks to hedge price volatility forecasts
28th March, 2012
China is building a second phase of emergency oil storage as forecasts of oil price volatility and continued high demand persist.
China found more oil and gas in 2011
27th March, 2012
China's annual oil and gas discoveries close to 70 year record high.
Idemitsu Kosan opens Changchun branch
27th March, 2012
Japanese chemical producer establishes China site.
Asia to drive oil growth in 2012, says IEA
26th March, 2012
French analysts see drive for oil demand coming from the East
Libya increases exports to China
26th March, 2012
Sinopec and PetroChina to buy increased Libyan crude output
ENOC opens new lubes plant
15th March, 2012
Massive new blending and grease production plant in UAE uses the latest technology.
First commercial oil strike in Ireland
15th March, 2012
The first major oil strike off the coast of Ireland has been announced by a small Irish oil company
BRICs & US oil consumption to top nearly $2,000bn and US synthetics to grow
5th March, 2012
Two new reports show significant growth in global oil consumption and specific US demand for synthetic lubes and functional fluids.
Total's Nigeran project onstream
5th March, 2012
Total starts up deep offshore project in Nigeria to boost crude output
BP plant stays idle into April
1st March, 2012
BP's Cherry Point refinery, one of the largest West Coast refineries, will remain idle until April after a fire
Asia's chemical sector benefits from sales and construction
1st March, 2012
Singapore and Thailand are set to benefit from a sale and new construction in the chemicals sector.
China's third-largest oil base becomes operational
27th February, 2012
Sinopec has begun operations at one of China's largest oil reserve bases in Hebei Province.
Sinopec plans massive refinery expansions
27th February, 2012
China oil major set to boost production and capacity to take on PetroChina
Kuwait and Total reach deal for China refinery
27th February, 2012
Multi-billion-dollar deal paves the way for new Guangdong province refinery
BP gets go-ahead for deepwater gas exploration
23rd February, 2012
BP and CNOOC are set to collaborate on South China sea drilling.
Renault and Total stay partners
23rd February, 2012
French lubes and auto producers seal an extended OEM partnership
Korea builds new refinery as India negotiates with Iran
9th February, 2012
Korea is joining with Shell to build a new base oil plant as India sends a delegation to Iran to negotiate oil payments.
New discoveries bode well for Brazil
8th February, 2012
Oil and gas finds by Repsol and Petrobras look good for Brazil's oil reserves
South Sudan closes supplies as Oryx opens in W Africa
6th February, 2012
South Sudanese oil suppliers are being shut down, but Oryx boosts lubes production on the other side of the African continent.
Petrobras celebrates record outputs
23rd January, 2012
Brazil's oil producer declares record oil and gas levels for 2011.
Zhenhai closed for maintenance
23rd January, 2012
Sinopec closes largest refinery for repairs with significant loss of output.
CNOOC starts shale gas exploration
20th January, 2012
China's leading offshore producer begins its first domestic drilling project.
China oil demand forecasts for 2012 lowered
20th January, 2012
IEA lowers short-term estimates but China still on target to lead world oil consumption.
CNPC aims at further records after declaring overseas milestone
20th January, 2012
China's largest energy firm announces record output levels, with more to come over the next four years.
Zhejiang to benefit from massive investment
19th January, 2012
Zhejiang Province is set to benefit from massive domestic investment from China's major oil producers.
Sino-Afghan oil deal signed
19th January, 2012
CNPC and Afghanistan ink a long-term exploration deal in the Amu Darya Basin.
Sinopec to double overseas output
19th January, 2012
China's Oil supplier to reach 1m barrels by 2015.
Russian output at record levels
9th January, 2012
Latest figures show new high in post-Soviet oil output.
Australia starts 2012 with no refineries
2nd January, 2012
Caltex closure brings an end to Australian refining for the present.
Tags: Australia, Lubes news
Pakistan expanding refining capacity
6th January, 2012
Indications are clear that Pakistan's refining infrastructure is growing
Tags: Asia, Lubes news
CNOOC starts Cambodia drilling
27th December, 2011
CNOOC announces start of first oil and gas drilling in Cambodia.
Terminal boosts in Oman and Asia
23rd December, 2011
Two new agreements are set to boost lube storage operations in Oman and China
TNK_BP to invest in Arctic pipeline
23rd December, 2011
UK-Russian conglomerate set to boost oilfield and export infrastructure from Yamal region.
Saudi struggles with oil sales to Asia
23rd December, 2011
Asian refiners are reluctant to use recent additional Saudi output
China to fund Costa Rican refinery modifications
19th December, 2011
China finances Latin American revamp of major refinery
China to match U.S. oil demand by 2040
19th December, 2011
China's thirst for oil is set to match the US according to a new report.
Chinese deepen oil ties with Kuwait
19th December, 2011
New plant and increased exports in Kuwait but Libyan investments may stall.
CNOOC to increase LNG and oil sands production
19th December, 2011
OPTI Canada sale completes as CNOOC builds LNG plant
Chevron and Marathon boost exploration spend
8th December, 2011
Chevron and Marathon Oil announce significant expenditure plans for 2012 exploration
ConocoPhillips names downstream business
21st November, 2011
ConocoPhillips has announced the name and location of its independent downstream company.
Repsol builds Group III plant for SK
21st November, 2011
A Repsol-SK joint venture will boost production of Group III lubricants for Europe.
World Bank predicts severe oil crunch by 2015
21st November, 2011
World Bank consultant claims oil could exceed $150 within five years.
Shell stays top for fifth year
4th November, 2011
The latest report from Kline puts Shell top of the table of lubricant producers for the fifth consecutive year and cautions on Asia optimism.
CNPC signs oil deal in Afghanistan
24th October, 2011
CNPC ignores tough political environment to broker major export contract
Bulgaria re-opens lubes plant
21st October, 2011
Plama refinery set to become leading producer in the country.
Iran moots avgas exports as Bahrain plant opens
20th October, 2011
Iran may begin exporting aviation fuel, while a new Group III plant starts up in Bahrain.
Hauxin builds new oil storage
17th October, 2011
Hauxin China is set to build a new oil storage facility in the South East
China oil demand slumps
17th October, 2011
Chinese demand for crude and finished products at 10-month low.
BP and partners massive investment in North Sea
14th October, 2011
BP commits to largest North Sea investment along with key partners to keep oil flowing.
Shell fire hits Asian and global markets
3rd October, 2011
A major fire at Shell's Singapore refinery shuts the plant and hits global crude and naphtha supplies and trading
Pertamina targets Bangladesh
3rd October, 2011
Bangladesh has become the latest export target for Pertamina
China oil consumption to rise dramatically by 2020
26th September, 2011
A new report forecasts a significant rise in China's oil consumption over the next 10 years.
Uganda oil production edges closer
14th September, 2011
A three-way "farm down" deal could bring the start of Ugandan oil production to within a few months
World lube demand to rise through 2015
14th September, 2011
Demand for lubricants is set to rise steadily through to 2015 according to a new report.
US backs Canada pipeline
14th September, 2011
State Department agrees Canada oil sands pipeline in first stage of approval process
Libyan change could isolate Russia and China
8th September, 2011
The fall of the Gaddafi regime has started a new oil race in the Libya
Nigeria launches new lubes
8th September, 2011
Nigeria's AMMASCO has launched a new range of high quality lubes for the domestic market.
Somaliland and Ethiopia look to China deals
1st September, 2011
Somaliland and Ethiopia are hoping new oil deals with China will help revitalise their economies.
Vietnam produces first Russian oil
22nd August, 2011
VNOGG has begun pumping oil from its Russian oilfield venture.
Global industrial lubes on the up says Kline
4th August, 2011
Industrial and metalworking fluids are continuing their post-recession recovery, according to the latest Kline reports.
Sinopec to build first plant outside China
4th August, 2011
China's Sinopec is set to build it's first blending plant outside the country to take on the pan-Asian market
UK set to invest in India after BP block purchase approved
4th August, 2011
The British Government has pledged to make significant investments in Indian commerce, helped by recent BP purchase approval.
Castrol closes India plant
4th August, 2011
Castrol closes its production plant in Chennai.
China Oil Demand Growth Slowest in Two Years
25th July, 2011
China's oil demand has slowed significantly and may stay below forecast levels.
New drilling in Syria
25th July, 2011
Exploration begins in Itheria four years after licence is awarded
Tags: Lubes news, Middle East
Kyrgyzstn may not suffer from fuel ban
25th July, 2011
A fuel export ban by the Russian and Kazhak governments may to have a significant effect on local prices
Tags: Lubes news, Russia
Pertamina expands in Asia
25th July, 2011
Indonesia's Pertamina is expanding its lubes business with a move into Asia's marine sector
Fuchs Russian blending
8th July, 2011
Fuchs are set to build a Russian blending plant for OEM lubes.
Repsol begins lubes production in Malaysia and China
8th July, 2011
Production at lubes plants now on-stream in Asian countries as part of a deal with UMW
Grease output up 13%
8th July, 2011
Grease output for 2010 rose 13% according to the NLGI.
Tags: grease, Lubes news
Statoil discovers crude in Brazil
7th July, 2011
Statoil has made significant oil discoveries around its Peregrino Field in Brazil.
PQIA forms Advisory Board
7th July, 2011
New committee to help PQIA to deliver organisation's mission.
OEMs tending towards low viscosity fluids
28th June, 2011
Regulations will force OEMs to keep up with higher performing fluids
Encana and PetroChina shale deal fails
24th June, 2011
A potential joint venture for shale gas exploration has failed to materialise for PetroChina
China majors boost Group II production
24th June, 2011
China's three major oil producers are upgrading operations to increase Group II capacity, with Sinopec announcing an new refinery
South Korea pushes for China lubes market
16th June, 2011
South Korea's lubes makers are targeting new routes into the Chinese lubes market through the automotive industry.
Shell withdrawal puts Kashagan on thin ice
16th June, 2011
Shell pulls out of Kashagan oil project leaving it in doubt.
Iraq pushes oil output
8th June, 2011
Iraq is set to overcome oil infrastructure problems to increase output.
Tags: Lubes news, Middle East
Bumpy road ahead for Ugandan oil?
3rd June, 2011
First oil from Ugandan wells may face transportation issues.
Tags: Africa, Lubes news
China-Russia venture for oil refinery
23rd May, 2011
Chinese and Russian producers are set to build a multi-billion dollar refinery for 2015.
Blaze destroys oil plant
23rd May, 2011
A massive blaze has destroyed the production of plant Australian independent TriTech.
Exxon set for lubes expansion in Indonesia
23rd May, 2011
Exxon-Mobil is looking to expand its industrial lubes business across the country to help improve productivity.
China lubes production continues to grow
12th May, 2011
Statistics for March 2011 show China's lubes output continuing to grow.
Lexus gains GF-5 certification
11th May, 2011
Lexus Lubrication Oil Ltd has gained API SN/GF-5 accreditation for its motor oil products.
China lubes to continue annual rise
11th May, 2011
Forecasts from Sinolub predict a steady rise in the growth of the Chinese lubes market over the next three years.
Mixed news for post-earthquake lubes market
11th May, 2011
There are mixed fortunes for Japanese lubes production and sales as the country recovers from the earthquake and tsunami.
Great Wall pushes for quality market share
11th May, 2011
Sinopec is pushing its Great Wall brand to grow its share of the domestic high-quality lubes market despite external pressure.
Chrysler teams up with Shell for dealer lubes
21st April, 2011
Chrysler is to use Shell lubes and Magneti Marelli parts in its Mopar dealerships including for competitors.
Huge Norway oil find
21st April, 2011
Norway's oil economy could be revived with a massive discovery by Statoil
Indian lubes growth "not huge" predicts Castrol
15th April, 2011
Growth in the Indian lubes market will be driven by the automotive sector but won't be "huge" according to Castrol India's COO.
Sinopec JV tops China's production charts
14th April, 2011
A joint venture between Sinopec and Infineum is topping China's national lube production chart.
Biolubes market set to soar by 2017
14th April, 2011
The biolubes market will be driven by North America and Europe and is set for significant expansion by 2017 according to a new report.
Shell Pearl plant underway
31st March, 2011
One of Shell's largest ever infrastructure projects, the Pearl GTL Plant, is on the road to production
Liqui Moly goes mining
25th March, 2011
Liqui Moly is to expand its product range into the mining sector.
Ghana gains new lubes brand
18th March, 2011
A new local lubes brand has been launched in Ghana to fill majors name gap
Japan earthquake hits local refineries
14th March, 2011
The massive earthquake in Northern Japan damaged oil refineries and energy infrastructure and auto manufacture.
Fuchs gains Rolls Royce approval
10th March, 2011
Fuchs has gained approval for its metalworking products for aero-engine production
Wax production in the balance says Kline
23rd February, 2011
Petroleum wax production is set to decline as other wax types jockey for control of the market according to Kline.
Tags: Kline, Lubes news
Shell opens in Indonesia and closes in Africa
21st February, 2011
Shell sells a significant amount of downstream operations in Africa as it opens a new lubes plant in Java.
Methanol markets set for growth
21st February, 2011
New report shows that the Methanol industry is set for signficant growth over the next few years.
Chemtura ups additive production
21st February, 2011
US specialist Chemtura is to increase its polymer output by the end of Q1
Serbian Base oil plant begins operation
11th February, 2011
Base oil production started at the NIS plant in Novi Sad.
Mobil Super premium lubes reach the US
11th February, 2011
ExxonMobil has launched its range of Mobil super lubes in the US.
Chevron to build $1.4bn lubes plant
2nd February, 2011
Chevron is set to extend its largest wholly-owned refinery with a new Base Oil production facility.
Takreer to expand production by 2013
31st January, 2011
Saudi-owned Takreer is set to expand is refining operations and open a diesel plant.
Saudi ambitions to maximise reserves
24th January, 2011
Saudi Arabia is rapidly expanding oil products and services to maximise returns on hydrocarbon reserves.
Argus adds US GP III Base Oils
17th January, 2011
Pricing agency has added US Group III Base oils to its assessment portfolio
Functional Fluids to reach $18bn globally
17th January, 2011
The functional fluids market, including lubricants, is set to reach $18bn according to a new report.
Tags: Lubes news, Lubricants
China & India to drive Asian base oil markets
5th January, 2011
A new report keeps China and India in the driving seat for base oils, but the supply landscape may change.
ACEA announces latest Euro oil sequences
5th January, 2011
ACEA has released its latest European oil sequences list.
Euro vehicle production rises
5th January, 2011
European vehicle production increased over the first nine months of 2010 according to ACEA
EPA faces another ethanol battle
22nd December, 2010
The US Environment Protection Agency faces another court battle over its 15% ethanol legislation.
Fuchs expands Indian operations
22nd December, 2010
Fuchs is set to increase its share of the Indian lubes market with a news Mumbai development centre.
Shell starts work on Chinese grease plant
22nd December, 2010
Shell has laid the foundations for its largest global grease production plant in Zhuhai, China.
Nigeria loses billons in fake lubes
22nd December, 2010
Nigeria is losing billions of dollars as a result of trade in adulterated and fake lubricants.
Engen moves into Africa as Kline report shows demand increase
22nd December, 2010
Engen has concluded its purchase of Chevron assets in Africa as Kline projects base oil growth in Africa and Middle East to 2019.
China launches coal-to-oil sites
26th November, 2010
China has announced the inclusion of coal-to-oil projects in its latest energy development plan.
Shell plans marine business in Dubai
17th November, 2010
Shell is set to launch a large-scale marine lubricants operation in Jebel Ali Port
SK Energy offers window into challenges
17th November, 2010
A recent meeting with overseas energy companies gives an insight into the South Korean lubes producers' challenges.
Results show lubes and chemical improvements
1st November, 2010
Quarterly figures from the lubes and chemical produces show positives across both sectors.
Gazprom pushes further into lubes market
25th October, 2010
Gazprom Neft is expanding its auto and industrial lubricants production to take on Russian Asian market.
Dexos lists published as GM takes on ILSAC
25th October, 2010
GM's list of licenced products has been published along with some challenging words, but some lubes producers are playing catch-up and Citgo announces GF-5 equivalent.
Lucas Oils heads down under
25th October, 2010
Lucas Oils is taking its motorcycle lubes brand to the Australian market
Venezuelan unions back lubes nationalisation
18th October, 2010
Trade unions Venezuela have backed the government's decision to nationalis a major lubes and chemical company.
Tags: Lubes news, S America
Global additives to reach $8.2bn by 2015, US also set to grow
18th October, 2010
The global petroleum additives market is set to reach $8.2bn within the next five years, with US demand also increasing, according to new reports.
Tags: additives, Lubes news
Baker Hughes/Intertek form alliance as Chevron appoints Azelis
6th October, 2010
An alliance between Baker Hughes and Intertek is set to enhance cargo treatment additives services, while Chevron Oranite has appointed Azelis as its Euro distributor
Sri Lanka looks to expand
6th October, 2010
Sri Lanka is looking to double its oil imports to meet demand.
Tags: Asia, Lubes news
Shell leads global lubes market again.
27th September, 2010
Shell have topped the global finished lubes market for the fourth consecutive year according to Kline.
Valvoline goes for new look
27th September, 2010
Valvoline has repackaged its EMEA motor oil products.
Cairn finds first evidence of oil in Greenland
22nd September, 2010
Scotland-based Cairn Energy has discovered oil off the coast of Greenland, although the scale is yet to be determined
Exxon stays a GM supplier but Chevron & CITGO nix dexos1
20th September, 2010
ExxonMobil will continue as GM's US lubes supplier for the next five years as Mobil1 gains global DEXOS licence, but Chevron and CITGO will not go for dexos licences.
Exxon sign long-term Cat and Camping deal
31st August, 2010
ExxonMobil have signed a multi-year branded lubes deal with Caterpillar and an exclusive deal with Camping World
Tags: ExxonMobil, Lubes news
Afton to launch GF-5 busting motor oil
31st August, 2010
Afton Chemicals is set to launch a new PCMO to exceed the imminent GF-5 and Dexos standards
North American lubes market in slow recovery says Kline
25th August, 2010
The North American finished lubes and automotive consumer markets are recovering, but it will be a slow process according to Kline.
Trouble in Adland
17th August, 2010
Valvoline and Shell are both facing sanctions for advertising authorities over product claims.
New auto lube factory planned for Jordan
17th July, 2010
An Iraqi investment consortium is set to build a $50m car lube plant in Jordan
Lubes market continues to grow in Bangladesh
17th July, 2010
Mobil report shows continued lubes growth in automotive and other lubes across Bangladesh
Brazil get rerefinery for Group II
17th July, 2010
A new plant is set for construction in Brazil to capitalise on the governments drive for oil recycling.
Tags: Lubes news, S America
PIB market set to grow in North America
17th July, 2010
A new report shows Polyisobutylene volumes in North America will reach 410,000 tons by 2015.
Tags: Lubes news, N America
GL-4 to become obsolete
17th July, 2010
API will retire the SL-4 lubricant specification at the end of July
Tags: API, Lubes news
Armenia has oil to spare as Belarus builds new gas stations
6th July, 2010
Solid Armenian production has created a surplus of fuels and lubricants, while Tatneft is to build more fuel outlets in Belarus
Tags: Eurasia, Lubes news
Russian oil to drop as Kazaks opens lubes plant
1st July, 2010
Russian oil and gas production is predicted to fall from 2012 as Kazakstan opens its first lubes plant.
Tags: Lubes news, Russia
Valvoline shuns Dexos licence
22nd June, 2010
Valvoline says it has no plans to buy licences for its Dexos-standard products.
Busy time for BASF
22nd June, 2010
Chemical giant to seal deal for Cognis and opens PIB plant
Korea and Spain line up new oil plant
16th June, 2010
South Koera's SK Lubricants and Spain's Repsol are to build a new plant in South East Spain
Independents benefit from new EU rules
16th June, 2010
Independent lubes suppliers are set to benefit from the new European Union Block Exemption Regulations
Falklands find '"significant"
8th June, 2010
Rockhopper Exploration has discovered a significant oil field in the North Falkland Basin.
Tags: Lubes news, S America
dexos2 own-brand lubes launched by GM
7th June, 2010
GM subsidiary, Vauxhall, has launched the first own-brand lubricants range under the new Dexos2 specification
Total plan first Saudi lubes plant
7th June, 2010
Total is planning a 25,000 metric tonne lubes production plant in Saudi Arabia due to be commissioned in 2012
UEIL announces European Congress
21st May, 2010
The UEIL has announced the dates and venue of its Annual European Lubricants Congress
Castrol and VW stay united
18th May, 2010
Castrol has extended its lubes OEM and service contract with VW.
Lubrizol reports on European oil/fuel economy role
14th May, 2010
Lubrizol has released a report on the role of engine oils in improving fuel economy in Europe.
API SN finally wins approval
5th May, 2010
API has approved the SN and SN Resource Conserving engine oil categories in line with ILSAC GF-5
China set to hike Base Oil prices
5th May, 2010
CNPC and Sinopec have announced increases in base oil prices from the beginning of May.
Indian lube quality driven by OEMs
28th April, 2010
Indian automotive lube market is set to see a dramatic rise in quality, driven by OEM recommendations according to Kline.
Romanian lubes consumption drops
15th April, 2010
Romanian Lubes consumption dropped by 40 million litres in 2009, with 70% consumption comprising automotive
Ashland builds Valvoline plant
20th April, 2010
Ashland to build Valvoline packing and blending plant near Mumbai
PQIA to rival ILMA and API?
10th April, 2010
The Petroleum Quality Assocation of America has been established that could rival ILMA and API's testing programmes.
Dexos licences will pay for $50m development programme
8th April, 2010
GM's Dexos specification testing to be funded by licence and blending fees.


