Base Oil News
Base Oils And Lubricants: Global Market Review

Base Oils and Lubricants: Weekly Global Market Review - 22 May '26

Iain Pocock

  • Asia's export cushion narrowed as South Korea, Taiwan and Singapore flows all weakened simultaneously — leaving global markets with less cover

  • South Korea's April exports to the US slumped to a near-six-year low — deepening Group III supply risks as Middle East flows stayed halted

  • Singapore's April imports temporarily eased regional pressure — but softer May exports pointed to the buffer starting to thin

  • Saudi Arabia's April exports hit an eight-month high — partially covering regional supply gaps in Europe and Asia

  • Europe’s supply balance stayed tight — lower Italian output in March coincided with stronger lubricants demand and incentives to prioritise diesel production

  • Demand weakness began emerging alongside tight supply — India's April lubricants demand fell to a 14-month low as high prices and uncertainty weighed on restocking appetite

  • Latin America's March demand surge left upstream stocks lean — increasing exposure as US supply faced stronger competition from multiple markets

China's July Group III Supply Holds Firm Despite Lower Imports

South Korea's July Base Oils Output Stays Elevated For Third Month

Sinolook Celebrates 15 Years of Growth and Global Expansion

Global Base Oils Exports To Africa Rebound In June

Global Premium-Grade Imports From Middle East Extend Fall In June