U.S. Base Oil Prices Rise Through First Half of 2021

摘要

U.S. base oil prices have extended their rise in the first half of 2021, supported by firm demand and tight supply availability. Firmer crude and feedstock values provided further price support. Prices have extended their rise well into the second quarter of the year because of unexpectedly tight supply. Disruptions caused by an unprecedented arctic storm in mid-February coincided with a heavy round of planned maintenance and exacerbated the supply tightness. A swath of paraffinic and naphthenic refineries was affected by the storm, which also extended the planned maintenance.