SN150 Base Oil Specifications: What Buyers Need to Know

When buyers in the lubricants and petrochemicals sector look for reliable raw materials, SN150 base oil consistently appears at the top of their sourcing lists. This light neutral base oil is a Group I product, widely used in automotive and industrial lubricants because of its balance of performance, price, and global availability.

For international buyers, knowing the SN150 base oil specifications, applications, and market factors is essential to make informed purchasing decisions. This article explores everything buyers need to know, from physical properties to supply considerations, with special focus on SN150 base oil price, quality standards, and global trade dynamics.

1. What is SN150 Base Oil?

• SN150 stands for Solvent Neutral 150.

• It is a light viscosity base oil produced by refining crude oil through solvent extraction and dewaxing.

• Classified under API Group I, meaning it has less than 90% saturates and/or more than 0.03% sulfur.

• It serves as a versatile feedstock for finished lubricants, transformer oils, and process oils.

2. Key Specifications of SN150 Base Oil

Here are the standard technical specifications of SN150 base oil that buyers typically request in tenders or contracts:

 Buyers should always ask for a certificate of analysis (COA) from suppliers to verify these values.

3. Why Buyers Choose SN150 Base Oil

3.1 Performance Benefits

• Excellent balance between low viscosity and lubrication film strength.

• Works well as a primary base stock in automotive engine oils.

• Enhances blending flexibility with heavier oils like SN500 or bright stock.

3.2 Cost Advantages

• SN150 price is consistently lower than Group II and Group III base oils, making it cost-effective.

• Available in large volumes from producers in the Middle East, Russia, and Asia, which reduces dependency risk.

3.3 Market Availability

• Exported globally through ports like Jebel Ali (UAE), Bandar Abbas (Iran), and Novorossiysk (Russia).

• Accessible for buyers in South Asia, Africa, and Eastern Europe who rely heavily on imports.

4. Applications of SN150

SN150 base oil serves multiple industries:

• Automotive Lubricants: Engine oils, gear oils, transmission fluids.

• Industrial Lubricants: Hydraulic fluids, process oils, compressor oils.

• Other Uses: Transformer oils, rubber process oils, metalworking fluids.

5. Quality Considerations for Buyers

When evaluating suppliers, buyers should focus on:

1. Consistency of SN150 specifications across batches.

2. Reliable SN150 base oil price offers (CIF/FOB).

3. Supplier credibility and export track record.

4. Compliance with REACH, ASTM, and ISO standards where applicable.

6. Global Trade & Price Trends

• Middle East & Asia dominate exports due to competitive refinery capacities.

• SN150 price is influenced by:

  • Brent crude fluctuations

  • Regional demand for lubricants

  • Logistics & freight rates

• Seasonal demand (summer driving season, winter heating oils) can impact spot pricing.