How has the lubricants industry evolved over the past several years in the face of unprecedented obstacles such as the COVID-19 pandemic, conflict in Syria, Ukraine and now between Iran and Israel, severe weather events and ever-tightening emissions reductions? And what changes are forecast for the coming years?
The new online Lubes’n’Greases Factbook answers these questions and more. Find out how base oil and crude oil prices have ebbed and flowed. Dig into why finished lubricant sales rose or fell. Learn how the host of specification development committees work together to bring new engine oil categories to fruition.
We scoured our archives to create data sets that go back 20 years. The online edition is packed with more information than ever before, with more pages loaded with more explanatory and graphics with a wider global reach.
An expanded Base Stocks chapter includes trends from major producers in Asia, Europe and the Americas. Now there are handy explainers of base oil types and finished lubricants, which are invaluable for support staff who need to quickly learn about the industry. There are also new sections on rerefined base oils, biobased lubes and electric vehicles.
You want more? You got it! The Lubes’n’Greases Factbook is continually updated with the latest data.
Simon Johns
Editor
Lubricant Basics
How Much Lubricant is in a Barrel of Crude Oil?
Refiners try to make as many high-value products as possible from a 42-gallon barrel of crude oil, such as jet fuel, gasoline and diesel. Very little ends up as lubricant – less than 10% of the barrel is refined through various processes into base oil.
Base Stocks
Base Oil Production
Base oil production is driven and pressured by a host of global factors, such as geopolitics, climate change and technology.
Finished Lubricants
Finished Lubricants
Lubricants are more than just engine oil. They keep literally everything you can imagine moving.
Editor's Picks
U.S. Lubricant Additive Market Volume
The additives market experienced an uncomfortable tightness in 2022 as a result severe weather and other factors. ...
European Base Oil and Crude Prices
European crude oil and base oil pricing experienced a host of price adjustments in 2022. Which factors are to blame? ...
South Korean Base Oil Exports
South Korea is among the world’s largest exporters of base oil, shipping out more than 4 million metric tons in 2022. ...
Engine Oil Category Timeline
Compared to 50 years ago, significantly more engine oil categories are required to meet today’s demands. ...
Lube Tech
EVs have had little impact on lubricant formulations to date. But this is changing.
Performance requirements for ICE and hybrids overlap, but EVs are another story.
Battery cooling requires a dedicated fluid and thermal management system for maximum range.
Examining the performance needs for EV greases.
Policy
Governments are helping EVs become one of the world's fastest-growing automotive sectors.
National low- and zero-emissions vehicle policies and incentives around the Americas.
National low- and zero-emissions vehicle policies and incentives around Europe.
National low- and zero-emissions vehicle policies and incentives around Asia.