Lubricants Market Morning Report20260727

Global Market Newsletter｜SG Petro Nexus

Global Market Updates

Brent Crude Tops USD 93, Hitting a Recent High (27 Jul)

Escalating US‑Iran tensions cause disruptions across both the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el‑Mandeb, trimming global crude supply by more than 10 million barrels per day.

IEA Monthly Report: Oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz recovered in June yet remain below pre‑conflict levels (27 Jul)

Tanker traffic is gradually recovering but remains far below the pre‑war daily average of 130 vessels; supply‑side uncertainty persists.

Goldman Sachs Warning: Persistent blockage at the Strait of Hormuz could push Brent above USD 120/bbl in Q4 (21 Jul)

Renewed risks of further escalation in the Middle East tilt oil price forecasts to the upside.

China’s domestic refined‑product retail volumes fell 8.8% year‑on‑year in H1 (24 Jul)

Ongoing disruption from vehicle electrification weighs on Sinopec’s domestic retail sales, accelerating the energy transition toward new‑energy solutions.

Inflection Point for Data‑Centre Coolant Industry: AI Computing Power Drives Surging Demand (24 Jul)

Tougher PFAS regulations prompt withdrawals by international brands, creating supply gaps and opening up opportunities for domestic substitution.

Industry News

The 10th Lubricants Forum Held in Guangzhou (21‑22 Jul)

Hosted at Guangzhou Songyuan Hotel on 21‑22 July, the event brought together nationwide industry experts and enterprises to discuss market trends.

Nearly 40 Lubricant Brands Implement Synchronous Price Hikes (23 Jul)

Dual headwinds of rising raw‑material costs and cut‑throat competition force multiple brands to raise prices by 5%‑15%, marking the industry’s most challenging phase.

Unilub Launches New Metalworking Fluids (24 Jul)

Completing its five‑category portfolio of industrial lubricants, its T‑Lab focuses on carbon‑reduction patents, liquid‑cooling formulations and long‑service‑life additive technologies.

South America Market

Petrobras (PBR) rose 1.32% to USD 19.14 this week, with higher crude prices lifting its share price.

Africa Market

Nigeria: Targeting a production gain of 1 million barrels per day by year‑end to reach 2.75 million bpd, offsetting roughly 5,000 bpd of losses caused by oil theft.

Russia Market

Russia Extends Petrol Export Ban Until Year‑End (25 Jul)

Deputy Prime Minister Novak announces the petrol export restriction will remain in place through end‑2026, with the diesel ban also renewed to ease domestic fuel shortages.

South Asia Market

Bangladesh: Dhaka Oil & Fat Expo in November. The world’s 6th‑largest edible‑oil economy; lubricant market CAGR stands at 3‑5%.

India: Emerging as a swing supplier of refined fuels, expanding exports amid geopolitical conflicts.

Malaysia & Singapore Bunker Market

Singapore VLSFO Jumps 24% to USD 785/MT (27 Jul)

Houthi threats targeting the Bab el‑Mandeb Strait raise uncertainty over bunker supplies, while high‑sulfur fuel oil prices stay firm.

Lubricant Knowledge Base

Category A｜Customer FAQ

Can lubricants be mixed? Is it acceptable to top‑up oils from different brands?

Engine oils from different brands adopt distinct formulation systems; incompatibility may occur between base oils and additive packages. Recommendations:

1. Always use lubricant of the same brand and viscosity grade wherever possible.

2. Carry out small‑proportion compatibility testing if mixing becomes necessary.

3. Mixed top‑up is only permitted for emergency use; replace with a uniform brand at the earliest opportunity.

Long‑term blending risks sludge formation and degraded lubrication performance.

Category B｜Technical Brief

Performance Comparison & Selection Guide: PAO vs Ester Base Stocks

PAO: Outstanding viscosity‑temperature properties, excellent oxidation stability and superior low‑temperature fluidity, ideal for premium passenger‑vehicle engine oils.

Ester oils: High polarity, strong solvency and biodegradability, suited for eco‑friendly formulations and high‑temperature operating conditions.

Material selection requires balanced trade‑offs between cost and performance.

Technical Highlights

Base‑oil Selection for Bearing Greases: Performance Comparison of PAO / Ester / Silicone Oils (27 Jul)

Synthetic base oils feature a wider temperature tolerance range and better oxidation resistance compared with mineral oils. PAO‑ or ester‑based formulations are preferred for high‑temperature service conditions.

API SP versus SN: Low‑ash Formulations Reduce Intake Valve Deposits (27 Jul)

The SP specification delivers enhanced protection against Low‑Speed Pre‑Ignition (LSPI) for turbocharged direct‑injection engines. Its low‑ash chemistry is better adapted to GDI / TGDI powertrains.