ILMA is taking urgent action to address the imminent global shortage of Group III base oils following recent attacks on energy infrastructure in the Middle East.

Today, ILMA formally requested emergency relief from the American Petroleum Institute (API), asking the organization to invoke the force majeure provisions under API 1509 for lubricant marketers operating under the Engine Oil Licensing and Certification System (EOLCS). If granted, the relief would allow licensees temporary flexibility to substitute base oils or adjust formulations while maintaining compliance during the supply crisis.

ILMA also sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) urging federal officials to treat the disruption as an energy security and supply chain issue affecting critical U.S. industries. The request asks DOE to evaluate the impact of the shortage and coordinate with other federal agencies to monitor and mitigate risks to sectors that depend on high-performance lubricants, including transportation, agriculture, defense and industrial manufacturing.

Recent missile and drone attacks on refining and energy facilities in the Middle East — including Adnoc, Bapco, and possibly Shell’s Pearl GTL facility — have significantly reduced global Group III base oil production and limited shipments through the Strait of Hormuz. As a result, ILMA members report that spot availability has largely disappeared, with remaining supply being placed on allocation and prices rising sharply.

ILMA will continue working with industry partners, API and federal agencies to seek both short-term regulatory flexibility and longer-term supply chain solutions to help lubricant manufacturers maintain production during the disruption.

The Association will keep members informed as developments occur.