Sustainability in Lubricants: Can SN150 Be Replaced by Alternatives?

The global lubricants industry is at a crossroads. On one side, SN150 base oil continues to dominate global demand due to its affordability, versatility, and strong supply from the Middle East, Russia, and Asia. On the other side, sustainability goals, stricter environmental regulations, and technological innovation are pushing refiners and lubricant blenders to consider alternative base oils.

This article explores whether SN150 base oil can be replaced by Group II/III oils, bio-based oils, or synthetic alternatives, and what this transition means for global markets.

1. Why SN150 Base Oil Still Matters

Despite global sustainability pressure, SN150 remains in high demand because:

• It is widely used in automotive lubricants, industrial oils, transformer oils, and process oils.

• The SN150 price is more affordable than Group II/III oils.

• Its supply network is reliable, with exporters in the Middle East leading global shipments.

• Buyers in emerging markets prefer SN150 due to cost sensitivity.

These factors make it difficult to completely phase out SN150 in the near future.

2. The Push for Sustainable Alternatives

Sustainability is reshaping the lubricants industry. Regulators and buyers are demanding:

• Lower carbon footprints in production and use.

• Longer-lasting lubricants that reduce waste.

• Eco-friendly alternatives, including bio-based and synthetic options.

The question remains: can these alternatives fully replace SN150 base oil?

3. Comparing SN150 with Alternatives

4. Regional Outlook on Replacements

• Europe: Strong push toward Group II/III oils due to regulations.

• North America: Growing use of synthetics in automotive and aviation lubricants.

• Middle East: Still focused on SN150 exports due to cost competitiveness.

• Asia & Africa: Heavily reliant on SN150 because affordability outweighs sustainability concerns.

5. Can SN150 Be Fully Replaced?

In the short term, complete replacement is unrealistic. While bio-based and synthetic oils will grow in market share, their high costs and limited production capacity mean SN150 will remain essential for decades.

What we will see instead is a hybrid market:

• Developed economies shifting to Group II/III and synthetics.

• Emerging economies relying on SN150 base oil for affordability and supply security.

6. Future Outlook: 2025–2035

• SN150 demand will gradually decline in advanced markets but stay strong in developing economies.

• Alternative base oils will gain traction, particularly bio-based oils as production scales.

• Middle East exporters will remain key suppliers, focusing on balancing sustainability with cost competitiveness.