Base Oils Market Wilt Feel 2017's Effects into First Quarter and Beyond

摘要

The U.S. base oils market remained balanced-to-tight through 2017, supported by persistently tight supplies. The supply tightness supported firm base oils prices throughout the year. The Argus domestic U.S. Group ISN 150 and Group II N100 prices stayed steady on a weekly basis for mosf of the year through mid-October. U.S. Group I and Group II base oils prices held unusually firm relative to feedstocks and competing fuels prices through most of 2017. The Argus Group II N100 premium to vacuum gas oil (VGO) and diesel rose to a 4 1/2 -year high in mid-June 2017. In early November, the Argus Group II N100 premium to VGO and diesel prices remained nearly 40 cents per gallon higher than levels at the same time a year ago.