November 2026

• A small number of base oil cargoes — probably the first since the Strait of Hormuz closed in March — have made it out of the Persian Gulf, but global supply remains greatly disrupted.
  As automotive engine oil specifications evolve, older specs can become obsolete either because their performance is no longer needed or for want of test equipment. When market demand remains, the industry looks for workarounds.
• The Dutch lubricants market is shrinking while higher-value products and services gain importance.
• PC-12 Is Coming. An industry professional shares readiness advice for heavy-duty fleet managers.
• Industry has well established tests of a lubricant’s ability to control foam and aeration, but electric vehicle motors generate these problems at much higher levels. A testing company contends that new equipment and test methods are needed.
• A study found significant amounts incompatibility between lithium complex grease and potential replacements, and it led to the conclusion that grease compatibility methods should be bolstered.
• As automotive engine oil specifications evolve, older specs can become obsolete either because their performance is no longer needed or for want of test equipment. When market demand remains, the industry looks for workarounds.

Not a Subscriber? Subscribe today to access all the latest news, expert analysis and commentary covering all the issues you need to know about in the global lubricants industry. Corporate subscriptions are available.

Access archives here