Base oil prices have been relatively stable this summer and suppliers said they foresee no reason for that to change in the near future.
After steadily increasing during the previous year, prices leveled off over the summer, except for a nickel decrease led by ExxonMobil. Subsequent to that move, crude oil costs have risen but have not affected base oil prices. Suppliers said they see no immediate cause for crude to rise further.
One supplier said that Group II supplies have tightened and could eventually push Group I prices higher but that he does not foresee a lot of movement.
Another supplier speculated that prices will remain stable barring a significant change in the economy, although he added, Any time you try to predict prices, youre getting into a gray area.
Historic U.S. posted base oil prices and WTI and Brent crude spot prices are available for purchase in Excel format.
|