Global finished lubricant demand is estimated at 39.2 million tons in 2013. This lubricant demand results in a 36.3 million ton demand for lubricant basestocks, while potential lubricant basestock supply in 2013 is estimated at around 38.2 million tons, according to Kline & Company’s 'Global Lubricant Basestocks: Market Analysis and Opportunities'.

Gulf Oil Lubricants India has entered into a partnership with tractor manufacturer Mahindra & Mahindra in which Gulf Oil will manufacture and supply 'Mahindra Genuine Oil' under the brand name 'Mahindra M-Star Super' for the tractor major's dealer network, along with a Mahindra-Gulf co-branded lubricant line for the 'bazaar segment' under the brand name 'Gulf XHD M Tractor'.

Ashland and Lion Copolymer last Thursday announced they have reached a definitive agreement under which Lion Copolymer will purchase Ashland`s elastomers business based in Port Neches, Texas. Applications include, among others, as viscosity modifiers for lubricants. The transaction is expected to close by December 31, 2014. Financial terms were not disclosed.

ExxonMobil Marine Fuels and Lubricants announced that, following extensive testing, it has gained OEM approval from Parker Hannifin Denison for its Mobil SHC Aware H series of hydraulic fluids. The Mobil SHC Aware H series of hydraulic fluids are now approved by Parker Hannifin Denison as HF1, HF2 and HF6 hydraulic oils.

Functional Products Inc. has announced that Ralph G. Beard became their new Director of Corporate Development and Special Projects effective October 1, 2014. Beard joins Functional Products from Dorf Ketal Chemicals, where he was the Global Technical and Business Development Manager – Lubricant Additives.

• HollyFrontier Reduces Prices of Its (Group I) SN70 & SN150 by 20 CPG, SN250 by 28 CPG, SN525 by 45 CPG and Its 150BS by 10 CPG, Effective October 7
• Calumet Reduces Prices of Its Group II Base Oils Lighter Than 325 by 15 CPG, and 325 by 25 CPG, effective October 3; Calumet to Decrease Prices of Its Group I 500/600/700 by 45 CPG and Calpar 2500 by 10 CPG, Effective October 14
• Chevron Reduces Prices of Its 100R by 15 CPG, 200R by 25 CPG, and 600R by 45 CPG, Effective October 8
• Flint Hills Resources Reduces Prices of Its 70-HC & 75-HC by 20 CPG, 100-HC by 15 CPG, 230-HC by 25 CPG, and 600-HC by 45 CPG, Effective October 6
• PetroChoice Opens New Distribution Center in Bridgeport, Ohio
• Enterprise Products Partners Acquires Oiltanking Interests