Mark Townsend

MarkTownsend@lng.com

Recent Articles

Lukoil Focuses on the Middle East

Lukoil Focuses on the Middle East

Lukoil Lubricants has its eye on the Middle East to expand its business. Shifts in the geopolitical landscape and the re …

Qatar Blockade Stokes Base Oil Worries

Qatar Blockade Stokes Base Oil Worries

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates – The crisis that arose this month between Qatar and several of its neighbors is fueling une …

Europe and India – Different Markets, Different Strategies

Europe and India – Different Markets, Different Strategies

Not all lubricant companies have the scale to operate in two such diametrically opposed markets. The choice of a mature …

Last Word

Last Word

Mark Townsend reports on the effects of the sanctions being placed on Qatar.

Middle East Readies for API CH-4

Middle East Readies for API CH-4

The mandated upgrade from API CF to CH-4 in the Middle East will be a major quality improvement for the region. Accordin …

Middle East Becoming a Gateway to Africa

Middle East Becoming a Gateway to Africa

Trade flows between the Middle East and Africa are soaring. Better connectivity and the emergence of countries like the …

Global Trends Drive Middle East Lube Advances

Global Trends Drive Middle East Lube Advances

Discussions about moving major markets in the Middle East to higher value lubricants have seemingly gone on forever. Tod …

Last Word

Last Word

Mark Townsend reports on the views of an industry veteran about falsified emissions testing.

Contractor Issues Delay Yanbu Upgrade

Contractor Issues Delay Yanbu Upgrade

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates – Luberef said new API Group II base oils and bright stock production from its Yanbual Bahr, …

Egypts Lubricants Market Stirs Optimism

Egypts Lubricants Market Stirs Optimism

Economic reforms and potential foreign investment project hope onto the horizon. Could near-term volatility turn that pr …

Instability Overshadows Turkeys Promise

Instability Overshadows Turkeys Promise

Turkey is a rare bright spot for refiners and lubricant marketers in the Middle East, but political instability threats …

Engine Oil Trends Impact Middle East Markets

Engine Oil Trends Impact Middle East Markets

Global quality trends are starting to influence the Middle East, and industry observers expect the market to gravitate t …

UAE Vies to Be Synthetics Hub

UAE Vies to Be Synthetics Hub

The United Arab Emirates could soon solidify its position as the leading synthetic base oil blending location. One indus …

Last Word

Last Word

Mark Townsend reports on the influence of additive companies in setting specification requirements.

Additive Makers’ Lube Development Role Grows

Additive Makers’ Lube Development Role Grows

ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates – Additive companies are playing an increasingly crucial role in new category developmen …

Takreer Starts Base Oil Production in UAE

Takreer Starts Base Oil Production in UAE

ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates – Takreer, the refining arm of Abu Dhabi National Oil Co. has started commercial product …

Stormy Seas Ahead for Marine Lubes Market

Stormy Seas Ahead for Marine Lubes Market

The shipping industry is facing a crisis, prompting analysts to warn of a negative impact on the marine lubricants busin …

Sustainability Gains in the Middle East

Sustainability Gains in the Middle East

The issue of sustainability has quickly moved up the corporate agenda in the Middle East as the region becomes a global …