Volume 6 Issue 22

U.S. Base Oil Production Fell in March

Base oil production in the United States fell 29% in March to its lowest mark since February 2021, according to data released today by the U.S. Energy Information Administration. For at least the past decade, March volume represented the year’s nadir in U.S. base oil output, keeping mostly to the range of 4.4 million to 5.2 million barrels.

North Dakota Project Would Make GTL Base Oils

The United States continues to import most of the API Group III base oil that it consumes, but a Canadian start-up aims to put a dent into that dependency. Cerilon Inc. has awarded design and engineering contracts for a gas-to-liquids facility that it plans to build near Trenton, North Dakota.

Brazil Base Oil Output, Imports Increase

Brazil’s base oil production rose 9% in April, while base oil imports jumped 14%, according to government data released today. Domestic output – mainly API Group I oils – was 45,000 metric tons, while imports – mostly Group II from the United States – reached 57,000 tons.

From Other Editions of Lube Report

Algerian Distributor Opens Blending Plant

Lube Imports to Georgia Increase

PSP Receives Nod for Stock Offering

Briefly Noted

May U.S. auto sales are expected to be up 20% at 1.4 million units sold, according to a Cox Automotive forecast. Cox attributed the forecasted increase to far higher inventory levels at retail outlets across the United States.