2008 has been another year of turbulence for the base oil markets. Rising crude and VGO prices during the first half of the year prompted many Group I refiners to divert base oil feedstock to more profitable fuels manufacture. The long supply positions prevalent at the start of the year disappeared with tight supplies and some shortages occurring by mid-year. Base oil suppliers responded by increasing prices. Lubricant blenders have been trying to catch-up with these base oil price increases as well as additive price increases – all to no avail.

 With over 2 million tonnes of new Group II, III and naphthenic capacity to enter the market during 2008 mostly in Asia, two Group I US refiners have announced they will close their base oil plants during the second half. Still other refiners have reduced production somewhat to better fit future market opportunities. All told, 1 million tonnes of Group I capacity has left the North American scene. 
 
How to make sense of these market conditions and how to respond? What else could happen? Join us at the 4th ICIS Pan American Base Oil Conference where these issues and more will be discussed.

Speakers are currently confirmed from: Mercedes-Benz, Infineum, Chevron-Phillips, Solomon Associates, Petronas, Petrobras, My Energy, Venoco, SK energy , Nynas Naphthenics, Renkert Oil and CITGO, Kline, Chemical Engineering Partners and Repsol. 



Agenda
 
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