Base oil production volumes in the United States appeared to have recovered from 2020’s pandemic-induced slump by 2021. At more than 61 million barrels, production in 2021 outpaced production in 2019.
However, U.S. base oil production in 2022 fell off sharply from 2021 levels. In fact, production in 2022 was more than 3 million barrels less than it was in the year immediately preceding the pandemic. This was likely the result of several factors, including severe weather in key regions, the onset of the Russia-Ukraine war as well as other major supply chain disruptions in the additives and finished lubricants segments.
Many industry experts believe that U.S. base oil production reached its zenith in 2018.
U.S. Refinery Production Volumes, Paraffinic and Naphthenic Base Oils
U.S. Production of Base Oils Over Time
