Base Oil Market Segmentation By Group- Group I (SN 150, BS 150, SN 250, SN 500), Group II (N 150, N 500, N 600), Group III (2 cSt, 4 cSt, 6 cSt, 8 cSt), Group IV (PAO), Group V (excluding Naphthenic), Naphthenic (35-60 SUS, 80-130 SUS, 200-300 SUS, 400-800 SUS, Above 1200 SUS), Re refined; By Application - Automotive Fluids, Process Oils, Industrial Oils, Metalworking Fluids, Hydraulic Oils

Base Oil Market - Snapshot

Base oil is a primary raw material used in the production of lubricants. The usual composition of industrial lubricant is 90% base oil and 10% additives, while that of automotive fluids is 80% to 85% base oil and 15% to 20% additives. Various types of base oils, such as paraffinic, naphthenic, and bio-based, are available in the market. Higher the quantity of paraffin in base oil, higher is its viscosity index. Viscosity is an entwined property of base oil that is crucial for lubricity & cooling and production of effective and efficient lubricants. Base oil is a downstream product, which is obtained after the fractionation process of crude oil. Thus, commercial dynamics of base oil are closely tied to performance, availability, and volatility of crude oil in the market.

Key factors driving the demand for base oil across the globe are rapid industrialization of several economies, rise in sale of vehicles, and increase in logistics & trade. Sales of vehicles is a direct indicator and driver of the demand for lubricants. High number of vehicles translates into high demand for lubricating oil, and high demand for lubricating oil translates into high demand for base oil. Various nations such as India, China, South Korea, Mexico, Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia have registered substantial rise in vehicle sales. This has boosted the demand for lubricants and base oils. Key areas of application of base oil are industrial oils, hydraulic oils, and process oils. These applications are fueled by rapid industrialization of several developing nations, primarily China, India, and Brazil. Industrialization requires installation and operation of a wide range of machinery and equipment. These require lubricants, and by extension, base oil. Demand for base oil is also increasing due to the growth in trade and logistics operations. Moving goods from one place to other involves large machinery and transportation vessels such as ships, port handling equipment, cranes, locomotives, trucks, and commercial vehicles. All these vehicles and equipment require lubricants. This is propelling the demand for base oils. Base oil does not have any external substitutes.

Of late, the base oil industry has undergone transformation. Manufacturers across the globe are switching from group I base oil to other options, namely group II, group III, and synthetic base stocks. Improvement in standard of living and implementation of stringent regulations have compelled automakers to increase fuel economies and reduce emissions due to environmental concerns. Lubricant manufacturers are demanding better quality base stocks, with low sulfated ash, phosphorous and sulfur (SAPS) to enhance engine performance and fuel economy. This has hampered the demand for group I base oils. Decline in demand for group I base oil has led to lower utilization rates of group I facilities. This has compelled many manufacturers of group I base oil to cease operations. Yet, contrarily, new facilities of group II base oil are emerging rapidly across the globe in order to cater to the demand for group II base stocks.          

The global base oil market has been segmented based on group, application, and geography. Based on group, the market has been divided into group I (SN 150, BS 150, SN 250, SN 500, and others), group II (N 150, N 500, N 600, and others), group III (2 cSt, 4 cSt, 6 cSt, and 8 cSt), group IV (PAO), group V (excluding naphthenic), naphthenic, and re-refined. Currently, group I accounts for major share of the base oil market. However, group II is expected to dominate the market during the forecast period. The performance of group II, group III, group IV, and group V base oils is superior than group I. Based on application, the global base oil market has been segregated into automotive fluids, process oils, industrial oils, metalworking fluids, hydraulic oils, and others. Base oil is extensively used in the manufacture of automotive oils such as transmission oils, engine oils, brake fluids, suspension fluids, some coolants, and grease. Such fluids are also used in locomotives, aircraft, ships, and defense vehicles. Increase in usage of industrial oils such as lubricating oils, coolants, and power transmission fluids is also driving the demand for base oil. Growth in manufacturing and metal processing industries is propelling the demand for metal working fluids, which are manufactured using base oils.

In terms of region, the global base oil market has been split into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and Latin America. Asia Pacific held more than 40% share of the global base oil market in 2017. The base oil market in North America is anticipated to expand at a CAGR of 0.9% from 2018 to 2026. Growth of the market in North America can be primarily ascribed to the expansion of industries in the region. Growth of the automotive sector in Europe has positively influenced the base oil market in the region.

 Leading players operating in the global base oil market are Royal Dutch Shell Plc, Nynas AB, China Petrochemical Corporation, ExxonMobil Corporation, PetroChina Company Limited, GS Caltex Corporation, The Phillips 66 Company, SK Lubricants Co. Ltd, British Petroleum, and Chevron Corporation.