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GLOBAL — Motor Oil Supply Faces New Chemical Feedstock Pressure
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GLOBAL — Motor Oil Supply Faces New Chemical Feedstock Pressure

The global lubricant industry is facing increasing pressure from shortages of high-quality Group III base oils, following disruptions to Middle Eastern production and shipping. Prices for some refined base oils have reportedly risen sharply, while major automotive manufacturers are looking for alternative suppliers and, in some cases, reformulating lubricants. The disruption demonstrates how geopolitical conflicts can quickly spread through chemical and petrochemical supply chains, affecting manufacturers, distributors and end users far beyond the original production region.

20 August 2026 · 3 min readRead article
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20 Aug 20263 min read

GLOBAL — Motor Oil Supply Faces New Chemical Feedstock Pressure

The global lubricant industry is facing increasing pressure from shortages of high-quality Group III base oils, following disruptions to Middle Eastern production and shipping. Prices for some refined base oils have reportedly risen sharply, while major automotive manufacturers are looking for alternative suppliers and, in some cases, reformulating lubricants. The disruption demonstrates how geopolitical conflicts can quickly spread through chemical and petrochemical supply chains, affecting manufacturers, distributors and end users far beyond the original production region.

20 Aug 20263 min read

CHINA — China Tightens Rules for New Chemical Substances

China has introduced an important regulatory change affecting companies exporting new chemical substances into the country. From August 15, 2026, China suspended acceptance of the previous “Record Notification” route for certain low-volume and low-risk new chemical substances. Companies dealing with substances not listed on China’s existing chemical inventory may now need to follow the applicable registration requirements before production or import. The change could increase compliance requirements for international chemical suppliers targeting the Chinese market.

20 Aug 20263 min read

INDIA — India’s Chemical Exports Continue to Gain Momentum

India’s chemical exports are showing strong momentum despite continued global supply-chain disruptions. Organic and inorganic chemical exports reached $2.80 billion in July 2026, up 14.39% year-on-year, according to recently released trade data. Overall Indian merchandise exports also rose nearly 20% year-on-year to $44.24 billion. The growth highlights India’s increasing role as a reliable global sourcing destination for chemicals, particularly as international buyers diversify supply chains amid geopolitical and logistics challenges.

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