Base Oil SN500 is a heavy-viscosity solvent neutral base oil widely used in the production of automotive lubricants, industrial oils, marine lubricants, and greases. Its price trend is closely linked to crude oil prices, refinery operating rates, demand from lubricant manufacturers, and regional supply balances.During 2024–2025, the global Base Oil SN500 Price Trend showed moderate volatility, reflecting fluctuations in crude oil markets, refinery maintenance cycles, and lubricant demand across key consuming regions.
Global Base Oil SN500 Price Overview
Base Oil SN500 prices followed a mixed pattern:
Upward movements during periods of rising crude oil prices
Temporary corrections during refinery overproduction phases
Regional price variation influenced by import dependency
Overall, prices remained relatively firm compared to lighter base oil grades.
Supply-Side Dynamics
Refinery Production and Availability
SN500 production depends on solvent refining capacity, which has been gradually declining due to refinery upgrades and closures. Key supply factors included:
Reduced availability from traditional solvent refineries
Maintenance shutdowns limiting spot supply
Shifts toward Group II and Group III base oils
These factors constrained supply and supported prices.
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Regional Supply Trends
Asia-Pacific: Mixed availability due to changing refinery configurations
Middle East: Export-oriented supply with competitive pricing
Europe and Africa: Heavy reliance on imports
Supply tightness in import-dependent regions amplified price volatility.
Demand Trends
Automotive and Industrial Lubricants
SN500 demand from automotive and industrial lubricant producers remained steady. Heavy-viscosity oils continued to be used in older engines, industrial machinery, and marine applications.
Seasonal Demand Patterns
Seasonal maintenance cycles and industrial activity influenced short-term demand fluctuations, particularly in developing economies.
Cost Drivers Influencing Prices
Crude Oil and Feedstock Costs
Crude oil prices directly impacted base oil production costs. Periods of higher crude prices translated quickly into higher SN500 prices.
Energy and Operational Costs
Rising energy and compliance costs increased refinery operating expenses, adding upward pressure on base oil prices.
Trade and Logistics Factors
International trade flows of SN500 were affected by:
Freight rate fluctuations
Port congestion in key regions
Currency movements impacting import costs
These factors contributed to regional price differences.
Macroeconomic Influences
Industrial production levels, vehicle usage, and economic growth rates influenced lubricant demand and, by extension, SN500 pricing trends.
Price Forecast and Outlook
The Base Oil SN500 price trend is expected to remain stable to firm due to:
Structural decline in solvent base oil capacity
Consistent demand from industrial and marine sectors
Ongoing crude oil price influence
Prices may experience short-term volatility but are unlikely to weaken significantly.
Impact on Downstream Industries
Lubricant manufacturers face higher formulation costs
Industrial users adjust maintenance budgets
Marine operators manage fuel and lubricant expenses
Long-term supply agreements are increasingly favored.