Several major and independent lubricant marketers informed customers of finished lube price increases in the United States that will take effect from mid-January through early February. Factors cited included rising base oil prices and related costs, such as transportation.

The United States Environmental Protection Agency last month excluded the lubricant industry from a new prohibition on phenol isopropylated phosphate (3:1) – a chemical that provides anti-wear and anti-compressibility performance in products such as aviation hydraulic fluids.

Partly because of the coronavirus pandemic, businesses are undergoing more change than ever these days, which of course is a challenge in and of itself, but while managing changes, companies also need to ensure that they comply with environmental regulations, a consultant told a lubricant industry forum last month.