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

Global Base Oils Cargo Flows: Week To 22 May

Brazil’s April Base Oils Imports Rise To 19-Month High

Singapore’s Base Oils Exports Slip In Month To 20 May

Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea Base Oils Exports Hit 8-Month High In April

भारत में अप्रैल में लुब्रिकेंट्स मांग 14 महीने के निचले स्तर पर