FMC Lithium and BASF increased prices for chemicals used in manufacturing greases and lubricants, respectively, while Oxea announced a hike in solvents prices.
FMC Lithium of Charlotte, N.C., noted that effective Dec. 1 or as contracts permit, it will raise off-list prices for non-energy applications of lithium hydroxide by an average of 10 percent. Lithium hydroxide monohydrate is the key ingredient in making lithium soap greases.
This increase is necessary to offset increased raw material, production and transportation costs, said Bruce Urban, global product manager, FMC Lithium Division.
Ludwigshafen, Germany-based BASF instituted price increases effective immediately, or as contracts permit, of 30 to 50 per metric ton on three types of ethanolomines in Europe. Ethanolamines are intermediates used in the manufacture of lubricants and surfactants, among other products.
Oxea of Oberhausen, Germany, said that effective Dec. 1, or as contracts allow, it would increase prices on a variety of solvents – including butanol, butyl acetate, propanol and propyl acetate – by 3 to 5 cents per pound in the U.S., Canada and Mexico, and by $66 to $110 per metric ton in South and Central America, Asia, Africa and the Middle East.