Klines Geeta Agashe gave a sobering presentation on the Western European lubricants outlook at the ACI conference in Prague in late September. Global lubricant demand, she estimated, reached 38.1 million tons in 2011, up 2 percent from 2010. But both Western Europe and North America have stagnated below pre-recession levels.
Europes share of global lubricant demand shrunk from 29 percent in 2004 to 18 percent in 2011. But there are some bright spots. Turkey is the only country after Russia to stand out in Europe in terms of outstanding future volumetric growth, Agashe said, and she also foresees significant growth potential in Ukraine and Kazakhstan.
Kline projects nearly 2.5 percent annual growth in lubricant demand, by volume, in Russia over the next decade, and modest volume growth in Germany. But otherwise, opportunities in Europe are not volume-growth based, Agashe said. Europes lube marketers must look east, to Eastern Europe and beyond, for organic growth opportunities.
Turn to page 36 for Boris Kamchevs full report on Klines latest forecasts. And dont miss this months look at whether biodegradables are always environmentally friendly on page 28, and at Lukoils Romanian engine oil launch, starting on page 22.
Speaking of bright spots, Gloria Steinberg Briskin is offering some sparkling early-bird deals on 2013 advertising. Advertisers who commit by 14 December will lock in significantly lower rates. Early-bird advertisers will pay 2012, not 2013, rates. When you advertise nine to 11 times, youll receive the 12-time rate. And as a 12-time advertiser, you will enjoy your last same-size ad free.
LubesnGreases Europe-Middle East-Africa reaches reaches over 11,250 decision makers. If EMEA is your market, Gloria will be delighted to tell you more. Contact her today at Gloria@LNGpublishing.com.
– Nancy J. DeMarco