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The lubricating oils re-refining industry is a basic cornerstone for the development
of industrial, agricultural, and services sectors. The importance of this industry is
increasing day after day in the light of the continuous developments to improve the
performance of engines and equipments worldwide; transportation in particular.
Latest reports issued by specialised international organisations show that global
demand for lubricating oils will reach about 43.9 million metric tons in 2017,
with an annual increase of 2.3%. The demand will be led by East Asian countries
(especially China), followed- on a lower scale- by South American countries, the
Middle East, and Africa. Forecasts show that demand for lubricating oils will
maintain its current rates in Europe and North America.
OAPEC member countries have recorded a noticeable increase in demand for
lubricating oils driven by their industrial and economic renaissance. This has led
most of these countries to develop and expand the lubricating oils industry as
they work to meet the domestic demand for the various kinds developed locally
with high efficiency. OAPEC member countries benefit from having their own
crude oil production with the best quality feedstock for producing lubricating
oils. This provides promising opportunities to boost OAPEC member countries’
competitiveness in this industry in spite of the severe challenge in the world market.
In the light of the world’s increasing interest in preserving natural resources
and protecting the environment, OECD countries have adopted re-refining of used
lubricating oils industry for long decades. They have conducted experiments on the
best techniques to maximise economic and environmental advantages including
financial support, tax exemption, as well as launching media campaigns for all
consumers to promote the economic and environmental benefits of re-refined
lubricating oils.
Editorial
Lubricating Oils Re-refining Industry’s
Developments in OAPEC Member Countries