Argus Global Base Oils Conference

A highly interactive session designed to meet strong industry demand for clarity on base oils pricing.

• Ask the experts — Engage directly with Argus analysts on pricing methodology, benchmarks and regional trends.
• Live polls and Q&A — Participate in real-time polls and an open Q&A to explore market challenges and strategies.
• Pricing lifecycle explained — Understand how Argus gathers, verifies and publishes pricing data, and what drives price movements.

Sponsored by Lubrizol

A comprehensive deep dive into the formulation, testing and commercialisation of engine lubricants, led by experts from specialty chemicals maker Lubrizol.

Use this time to share your pressing questions and set some objectives for what you’d like to learn during this focus day! We will revisit these at the conclusion of the day.

• How are US tariffs, reshoring strategies and global conflicts reshaping base oil trade flows, supply chains and overall oil availability?
• What are the implications of evolving trade routes, freight disruptions and blending hubs such as Singapore, the UAE and Amsterdam-Rotterdam-Antwerp on market stability and regional de-risking strategies?
• How might future geopolitical tensions and policy shifts — such as expanded tariffs, bilateral deals and repeals — impact global commodity pricing and trade dynamics?

Kickstart your networking experience with our interactive business card wall and digital matchmaking station. Browse attendee profiles, exchange contact details and connect with industry peers through the event app — designed to help you meet the right people and maximise your time at the conference.

• What opportunities are available to base oils producers in today’s changing market, and what macro-trends are driving the industry?
• What has the industry learned from recent years’ turbulent geopolitical and macroeconomic trade environments and how can this be utilised to form a more secure industry in the future?
• What sustainability and decarbonisation strategies are being implemented across the globe — is it more important to follow national policy and industry association guidelines, or to pursue individual company goals?

The base oils market faces critical questions about supply security and regional dynamics owing to a looming demand deficit and uncertainties surrounding investment in refining.

• Who will still be refining base oils in 5-10 years and how will regional dynamics in the US, Asia-Pacific and Europe reshape the global supply map?
• How credible are announced investments into Group III base oils capacity and will they be enough to close the projected demand gap?
• What does the future hold for Group I and II base oils under International Maritime Organisation (IMO) regulations, and where will heavy base stocks come from as bright stock capacity declines?

Location: Networking lounge and photo station

Engage with our speakers and industry experts in a relaxed setting. News agencies will be conducting short interviews and Argus will be on hand to facilitate introductions with key personnel.

Capture the moment at our photo station — an easy, low-cost way to build visibility and share your presence at the event. Great for social media, press coverage and networking follow-ups.

• How are OEM approvals and lubricant specifications influencing base oil use?
• What implications are slowing electric vehicle (EV) take up and growth in hybrids having on lubricant formulations?
• How are OEMs aligning lubricant performance with evolving powertrain technologies and sustainability targets?

• How is demand for base oils and lubricants being reshaped by evolving marine engine technologies such as ammonia and LNG engines, and fuel regulations including IMO 2020?
• What challenges do marine lubricant blenders face in sourcing Group I base oils amid refinery closures, and how viable are Group II and III or re-refined alternatives for maritime applications?
• What role do re-refined base oils (RRBOs) and low-sulphur, high-saturate formulations play in meeting environmental, social and governance (ESG) goals and operational performance in the shipping sector?

Grab a coffee and head to the dedicated networking zone in the exhibition hall. Connect with peers working in the same segment of the base oils value chain.

• How will upcoming regulations such as PC-12, Euro 7 and GF-8 impact base oil formulation and demand, and what role do Group II+ and III+ base oils play in meeting these standards?
• What are the timelines and readiness across regions?
• What challenges and opportunities do these policy shifts create for base oil producers, additive suppliers and OEMs?

• What are the key features and goals of these frameworks?
• How does the ICML 55 system manage all physical assets related to lubrication, and how does it add value to the organization and its stakeholders?
• How does the ICML 55 framework provide a positive effect on other standards and goals, linked to: quality & safety, ESG, energy and CO₂ reduction, reliability management, maintainability and cost/profit balance?

Exploring how emerging technologies are transforming the base oils landscape.

• What innovations in production, blending and refining — including smart manufacturing and artificial intelligence — are reshaping the base oils industry?
• How are data centres, robotics and high-technology environments influencing demand for specialised lubricants and greases?
• What new application areas are emerging for base oils — such as EVs, smart manufacturing and high-speed automation — and how can producers adapt to meet evolving performance standards? 

• How are sustainability goals and regulatory pressures influencing base oil selection and additive strategies?
• What role do Group II and III, re-refined and high-viscosity index base oils play in balancing cost, performance and supply reliability?
• How are blenders adapting formulations to meet evolving OEM specifications and global market demands?

• What mechanisms and risk management strategies can help buyers and suppliers navigate today’s dynamic base oils market?
• How can industry stakeholders work together to develop and support a paper market for base oils?
• What role should producers, trading companies, and refiners play in fostering more transparent and adaptive market structures?

• What role will RRBOs play in future supply chains and can they meet OEM and regulatory standards for high-performance applications?
• How are emerging policies — such as India’s 5–35pc RRBO mandate — and sustainability metrics such as Product Carbon Footprint influencing adoption and base oil selection?
• Is there a need for global standardisation and certification of RRBOs and how can industry bodies such as GEIR, ATIEL and API support quality assurance and market confidence?

• How are lifecycle assessment (LCA) tools being applied to base oils and lubricants, and what insights are they revealing about environmental impact across the value chain?
• What role do Scope 3 emissions, circular economy principles, and end-of-life strategies play in shaping sustainability initiatives for producers, blenders and OEMs?
• How can industry collaboration drive harmonised sustainability metrics, and what frameworks (e.g. PCF, EPD, ISO standards) are gaining traction for global benchmarking?

NEW — A fast-paced series of regional spotlights followed by a dynamic panel discussion exploring the evolving global landscape for base oils, additives and finished lubricants.

• Which region shows the most promise for demand growth — Africa, Asia-Pacific or Latin America?
• Who will still be refining base oils in 5-10 years, and how will regional dynamics in the US, Asia-Pacific and Europe reshape the global supply map?
• How can we build a scalable infrastructure network for the reliable distribution of base oils, additives and finished lubricants?

• Market recap: Highlights from two days of dynamic discussions on supply, pricing and trade.
• Interactive insights: Top strategic priorities across the industry from the live polls and roundtable debates.
• Forward outlook: Argus analysts present key signals to watch through to 2028, with an open Q&A and shared takeaways.