Volume 3 Issue 15

Covid-19 Disrupts Auto Industry

The Covid-19 pandemic has caused automakers around the world to temporarily close factories, and this will reduce demand for factory fill lubricants as well as some industrial lubes, analysts say.

India Asked to Release Castor Chemicals

Three lubricant industry associations in the United States petitioned India’s government last week to approve the export of castor oil derivatives stuck at India ports as part of a national lockdown to combat the Covid-19 pandemic.

API Invokes Provisional Licensing

The American Petroleum Institute invoked provisional licensing for a key bench oxidation test for ILSAC GF-6 and API SP, along with additional current standards, citing a backlog of testing in advance of GF-6’s May 1 first-licensing date.

From Other Editions of Lube Report

Recession Catches Middle East Refiners

Russian Passenger Car Lube Demand Grows

India’s BS VI Takes Effect

Briefly Noted

HollyFrontier Corp. announced Timothy Go, Calumet‘s current CEO, as its new chief operating officer effective July 2020. Calumet announced that board member Steve Mawer will take Go’s place. Lockhart Chemical and Sea-Land Chemical expanded their distribution agreement, allowing Sea-Land to distribute to Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri and Wisconsin starting May 1. Roseland, Louisiana-based Smitty’s Supply Inc. announced it began manufacturing hand sanitizer for Louisiana and Mississippi emergency services.