Asia's supply outlook turned more mixed — elevated Singapore trade flows and high China output cushioned disruptions even as Taiwan and South Korea signalled tightening availability
China's high base oils output softened the impact of global disruptions domestically — but reliance on imported Group III left exposure to tighter overseas markets
Taiwan's April shipments fell to multi-month lows while May cargo flows stayed subdued — pointing to shrinking Asia export availability
Asia's March lubricants demand surged to a record high — absorbing surplus supply and accelerating inventory drawdowns ahead of disruptions
Global balances had already tightened before the disruptions — lower surplus availability and lean blender inventories amplified the impact once outages emerged
US March exports surged to India and Nigeria while imports from key Group III sources fell — tightening domestic availability ahead of sharper Group III shortages
US base oils prices recorded their fastest monthly inflation since 2022 while Safety-Kleen's Q1 earnings climbed — showing how tightening markets were rapidly lifting margins and prices
Middle East disruptions and higher prices increased focus on supply continuity — making Luberef's steady output and sales plans a rare source of stability amid wider disruption