Volume 4 Issue 9

U.S. Base Oil Output Off 9% in 2020

It is no secret that the COVID-19 pandemic wreaked havoc on the United States’ base oil market during 2020. For the entire year, the U.S. produced only 55.6 million barrels of base oils, lagging about 9% behind 2019’s full-year total. Output rebounded from pandemic impacts during the second half of the year but then was hampered by plant shutdowns.

Profits Jump for Quaker Chemical

Quaker Chemical’s net income more than tripled during the fourth quarter despite a small decrease in sales revenue, while rerefiner Heritage-Crystal Clean also reported declines in revenue for its oil business. Quaker Chemical said it gained market share during a year when overall demand decreased.

Coalition Aims to Boost Container Recycling

Three lubricant brands and two manufacturers of plastic containers announced yesterday the formation of the National Lubricant Container Recycling Coalition, an association that aims to reduce the number of containers disposed of as waste. The founding members are BP’s Castrol, Valvoline and Shell’s Pennzoil-Quaker State, along with Graham Packaging and Plastipak Packaging.

From Other Editions of Lube Report

Japanese OEMs Plugged by Survey

Base Oils Tight in Europe, Middle East

China Lube Demand Keeps Rising

Briefly Noted

Canada-based distributor Parkland Corp. will acquire lubricants distributor Conrad & Bischoff Inc. and its related companies for an undisclosed amount, establishing a fourth U.S. regional operating center in Idaho Falls, Idaho. C&B’s operations are concentrated in Idaho and western Wyoming, with additional distribution capability into Utah, Nevada, Montana and other states.  Quaker Houghton announced that Michael Barry will retire as CEO on Dec. 31, 2021 and will retain the role of chairman of the board. The company said its board of directors is committed to a strong, orderly process and transition, with a comprehensive search that will include internal and external candidates.