SK, Repsol JV to Make Group III
SK Lubricants will partner with Repsol YPF to build a new 13,300 barrels per day API Group III base oil plant in Spain.
[FULL STORY]
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Base Oil Capacity Diversifies
Global base oil refining capacity is teetering on the edge of the million-barrel-per-day mark, but its geographic distribution is definitely off-kilter, as shown by Lubes'n'Greases' new 2010 Guide to Global Base Oil Refining.
[FULL STORY]
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Petronas Looks ‘Beyond Etro’
Petronas, Malaysia’s national oil company, says it’s selling out its API Group III, Etro-branded base oils, and cannot significantly expand production. So it’s looking hard at bio- and petrochemical-based esters, PAOs, PIBs and even at coal- and gas-to-liquids.
[FULL STORY]
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OSHA Fines Infineum Bayway Plant
OSHA has cited petroleum additives maker Infineum USA for 22 alleged workplace safety violations, including exposing employees to chemical hazards, at its Bayway Chemical Plant in Linden, N.J. Proposed penalties total $88,500.
[FULL STORY]
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EU Opens Up Aftermarket
Independent lubricant suppliers in Europe declared a legislative victory two weeks ago with the region’s adoption of rules meant to encourage more competition in the supply of automotive aftermarket materials, including engine oils.
[FULL STORY]
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Shell Unplugs Montreal East
Shell Canada last week began closing its Montreal East refinery, which includes a 2,700 barrels per day API Group I base oil plant, after nixing last minute offers to purchase the refinery.
[FULL STORY]
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Wranglers Recalled for Brake Fluid Issue
Chrysler will recall 288,968 model year 2007 to 2010 Jeep Wrangler sport utility vehicles because of potential brake fluid leaks. The recall is expected to begin during June.
[FULL STORY]
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U.S. Base Oil Price Report
The stillness following SK’s 15-cent-per-gallon posted price hike on June 1 appears to be shattering. ExxonMobil has stepped out with its own posted price increase of 15 to 20 cents per gallon.
[FULL STORY]
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Europe-MidEast-Africa Base Oil Price Report
It is a most confusing time in the EMEA base oil market, with product shortages all around for API Group I material, and very few signs, at least within mainland Europe, that prices might be adjusted downwards.
[FULL STORY]
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SSY Base Oil Shipping Report
Harsh trading conditions pervade the markets in Europe and the United States, whereas markets in Asia, India and the Middle East Gulf are enjoying a period of good demand.
[FULL STORY]
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Correction
In May 19’s “Chevron Lays Off 1,500,” a spokesman told Lube
Report the layoffs would impact its Chevron Oronite additives business. Last
week, a Chevron spokesman corrected that earlier statement, saying, “… while
Oronite is now part of the Chevron Downstream and Chemicals organization, the
announced manpower reduction within the organization does not directly affect
Chevron Oronite’s business.”
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