Without knowing quite how, U.S. lubricant blenders say they appear to be emerging unscathed from the massive disruption in base oil supply caused by Hurricane Rita. Some of the capacity sidelined by the storm still has not been restored six weeks after it struck. That is twice the period of time that many observers had said the industry could endure before blenders started running out of base oil, but sources say shortages have not materialized. Im really quite surprised that this has been handl...

Bulgarias Prista Oil is taking a step backward this year in terms of financial performance, but that is not deterring it from moving ahead with investment and growth plans. The leading lubricant supplier in Bulgaria is preparing to build a Black Sea base oil terminal aimed at giving the company more purchasing flexibility. In addition, it recently struck an agreement to sell Valvoline lubes in Turkey and claims to be discussing potential deals with two other major oil companies. But officials de...

Lubrizol Corp. reported Thursday that third quarter operating income for its Lubricant Additives segment rose 4 percent from the same period of 2004, as price increases allowed the business to offset impacts from Hurricane Rita. The lube additives segment posted operating income of $68.6 million for the three months ended Sept. 30, up from $66 million in the year-ago period. Revenues climbed 13 percent to $574.1 million, primarily because of price hikes and more favorable sales mix. Shipment vol...

Chemical prices continue to rise, with several suppliers announcing new increases. Pilot Chemical, Dow, Goldschmidt Chemical and Lanxess all said they were passing on sharp jumps in costs for raw materials and energy. Pilot said it will raise prices on alkyl aryl sulfonates and acids by 2 cents to 3 cents per pound, effective Nov. 15. The Cincinnati company cited substantial cost increases for feedstock, freight and energy. Sulfonates are used in lubricants as dispersants and to neutralize the b...

Fuel has been the largest part of Chain Oil Co.s business, at least in terms of volume. But the Wixon, Mich., oil jobber sold those operations last month, putting all its eggs in the basket that is its lubricant business. Officials said they see more room in the lubes industry for a small company to remain viable. Located in an outer suburb of Detroit, Chain Oil is a 61-year-old, family-owned company that supplies customers in Michigan and northwest Ohio. Until last month, it had three segments....