Volume 6 Issue 17

Origin of Russian Lube Imports Shifts Toward Asia

Finished lubricant imports to Russia underwent large shifts last year in the countries of origin due to fallout over the nation’s invasion of Ukraine. Asian countries and Turkey replaced the European Union members as the largest sources of those products, according to B2X, a Moscow-based consultancy on the Russian lube industry.

Mercedes Benz Amends Oil Change Advisory

The Union of the European Lubricants Industry announced this month that it helped resolve a complaint about Mercedes Benz saying that customers were required to use its genuine engine oil to service one of its car models. After discussions with the Brussels association, the automaker amended statements that Sprinter owners were mandated to use its own brand of oil to keep warranties in effect.

Special Report: Sustainability

The April issue of features a special report on sustainability. Discover how wind assistance may affect the future of marine lubricants, as well as how the performance gap between environmentally acceptable lubricants and their conventional counterparts is becoming ever smaller. 

France Lube Demand Dipped in February

Lubricant consumption in France decreased to 41,273 tons in February, 2% less than the same month last year, Paris-based Professional Lubricants Center reported April 17. Automotive lubricants consumption was flat, while industrial lubricant demand tailed off 9% and process oils demand rose 15%.

From Other Editions of Lube Report

South Korea Base Oil Export Volume Falls

Chevron Ties Up with Hindustan in India

Kline: Lube Additive Demand Still Rebounding

Briefly Noted

Castrol announced a three-year partnership with Tetrosyl, Europe’s largest supplier of car care products, aiming to boost supply to car parts and accessories stores and workshops.  In March, new passenger car registrations in the European Union jumped 29% to 1.1 million, compared to the same month last year, the European Automobile Manufacturers Association reported on April 19. In the first quarter, new passenger car registrations in the EU rose 18% to almost 2.7 million.