The Nation Newspaper

Tag: lubricants

  • Eunisell restates commitment to lubricants industry development

    A chemicals company, Eunisell Limited, has restated its commitment to develop the lubricants arm of Nigeria’s downstream sector, to bring it up to par with world-class standards. The Group Managing Director of the company, Mr. Chika Ikenga, who disclosed this recently at an industry event, said that the company will continue to partner with top-flight foreign companies in ensuring that its customers enjoy the best of manpower and technological support in lubricants and allied fluids production.

    Condemning the prevalence of inferior lubricants in the country, the downstream industry operators at the event agreed that these substandard engine oil formulations are deficient in additives, and implored lubricant companies to intensify efforts in enlightening Nigerians on what makes a good automotive lubricant, so as to avoid buying the fake ones.

    Ikenga implored people making poor quality lubricants to improve on quality as their actions have a negative impact on the industry and the economy at large. He explained that engine oil is basically made up of two components – base oil and additives, adding that the additives which Eunisell provides are of core importance to manufacturing highly effective lubricants, for automotive and industrial applications. The company is the first to market and distribute high-end lube additives locally.

    Meanwhile, he emphasised that Eunisell is unarguably the largest supplier of lubricant and fuel additives in Africa, adding that the company provides this solution to most of the big names in the industry. “We do not manufacture lubricants, but we are reputed as a company that supplies the most effective additives to lubricant blenders and producers,” Ikenga posited. He also hinted that Eunisell is a solution-driven company, constantly developing bespoke chemicals for optimising processes in downstream companies, with best-in-class equipment in Port Harcourt, Lagos and Ghana.

     

  • Firm launches Micking lubricants

    Golden Stone Limited, West Africa’s sole distributor of Korean number one premium engine oil, has launched its high index viscosity lubricants, Micking into the Nigeria market.

    The high quality varieties of the product were introduced at a media briefing held at the company’s Lagos office.

    Golden Stone Limited Chief Executive Officer, Mr Andy Offor, said he was out to not only create awareness about Micking motor oil but to also educate users on the need to always use the right motor oil for their vehicles.

    He said: “Many motorists in Nigeria are suffering as a result of ignorance. Many don’t know the API’s Classification mark and service symbol of the engine they use. All they know is: this oil is good, cheap and has good packaging without checking the API ratings”.

    He explained that some engine oil are made for year 1984,1995 and 2000 model engine and motorists will use them for their 2005 and 2010 vehicles respectively without knowing that every car has a year that it is manufactured.

    ‘’From the year, you can know the engine oil you are going to use. So whenever you want to buy engine oil, go through the rating and see the API of the oil. The best in the market right now is SN, the top range, SM, the second best and the next, SL. It goes down that way,” he said.

    He urged motorists to service their modern automobile engines with synthetic oil, saying “It protects the life of your engine against sludge and gives more mileage. It also cleans the engine leading to easy circulation of fuel. It makes the engine to consume less fuel and bring down the temperature of your engine. These and many more are the benefits of synthetic engine oil. That is the difference between synthetic and conventional mineral engine oil.’’

  • Eunisell educates customers on engine lubricants and industrial fluids

    Eunisell Limited, a specialty fluids management company, organised a one-day technical training and seminar for lubricant additive customers, as part of its efforts to raise the participants’ technical awareness of the lubricant market to enable them have a better understanding of the link between engine design lubricant performance and knowledge of global trends especially in the downstream sector of the oil & gas industry. Currently in its 15th year, the seminar with the theme: “Advances and Trends in Automotive, Transmission, and Industrial Fluids” was held recently in Lagos.

    Speaking at the event, Chief Executive Officer at Eunisell Limited, Ramesh Hullur, said the training has been designed to help participants gain cutting-edge knowledge on trends and developments in the automotive, transmission and industrial fluids market. “This training is essential and is meant to bring together professionals who are into blending of lubricants and other petroleum and allied products in Nigeria, with a view to bringing them up to speed with industry developments and technological breakthroughs that have led to the advancement of additives and lubricants in other parts of the world,” he said, adding that the seminar creates a veritable platform to access the latest information on specialty fluids, thereby enhancing application expertise.

    Chief Executive Officer of Eunisell International, Iain Fraser, who was also at the event, expressed the company’s determination to see Nigeria benefit from the development of the downstream sector while the participants are also empowered with quality knowledge. He said: “Nigeria must not be left out of the developments in the downstream sector; this is why we carry out such training for various organisations at no cost. We have done this every year for the past 15 years, empowering participants with the requisite knowledge to guarantee the production of top quality lubricants for automobiles and industries in Nigeria.”

  • ‘Why fake lubricants exist in Nigeria’

    Lack of stricter measures against producers of fake lubricants, selling of fake lubricants at cheaper prices by unscrupulous persons, high level of connivance among distributors and others, have been adduced as reasons for the proliferation of sub-standard lubricants in the industry, stakeholders in the downstream petroleum industry have said.

    The stakeholders, including the Managing Director, A-Z Petrochemicals Mr. Linus Ilozue and the Managing Director, LUBCON Nigeria Limited, Mr. Taiye Williams, spoke at different fora in Lagos. They urged the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) to come up with stricter measures to curb  fake lubricants.

    Ilozue said fake lubricants would reduce once regulatory policies are put in place to discourage adulteration. He said the activities of people who adulterate lubricants would have been curtailed, if officials of  SON were always at the ports when the products berth,.

    He said: “The issue surrounding proliferation of substandard products in the market is best linked to the less supervisory role of SON. For us (producers), the regulators have a lot to do in ensuring that fake lubricants and base oil are reduced to the barest minimum.”

    He also said that there has been a general preference for imported products over locally made products. “The inability of the country to appreciate our local products has paved way for sub-standard products to come into the market,” he added.

    Williams also stated that the country refined base oil last in 1995, stressing that activities of individuals  who adulterate engine oil and other lubricants are killing the business. According to him, the issue of fake product is affecting the sale of lubricants, adding that users doubt the efficacy of available  lubricants.

    “The country has remained mute over refining of base oil. Kaduna refinery is supposed to be refining these products but it refined base oil last in 1995.

    “We urged the government to come to our aid by ensuring these products are produced in the country, as it will generate more revenue for the economy and kick away fake products from the market.

    “Also, there is need to ensure a favourable environment for quality products to grow. There is need for stricter policies to discourage importation of these fake products to the country,” he added.

  • Oando invests $400m in lubricants production

    Oando invests $400m in lubricants production

    Oando Marketing Plc has  invested  $400million to produce a wide range of lubricants. It has also introduced a new lubricant, called Oleum SYN into the automobile market.

    Speaking at the unveiling of the synthetic lubricant, Oleum SYN, in Lagos, its Chief Operating Officer, Mrs. Williams Olaposi, said the product was introduced to meet the needs of users of top-of-the-range cars.

    Oando’s decision to produce synthetic lubricant, she said, was informed by the need to satisfy various layers or users of automobiles.

    She said: “The firm believes in meeting the yearnings of various users of automobiles in Nigeria. For years, the country has been using fairly used cars otherwise known as Tokunbo, and Oando has lubricants for people driving such cars.

    “In recent times, there has been a paradigm shift from the use of Tokunbo to new cars. Nigerians are now driving new and highly sophisticated vehicles, and the only way to satisfy people in that segment was to produce synthetic lubricant.”

    She said every litre of Oleum SYN comprises top quality base oil and additives, noting that the product has been certified internationally.

    Olaposi said Oando conducted several years of research before coming out with the product, stressing that a lot of money was invested in the production of lubricants by the company.

  • Oando invests $400m in lubricants production

    Oando invests $400m in lubricants production

    Oando Marketing Plc has  invested  $400million to produce a wide range of lubricants. It has also introduced a new lubricant, called Oleum SYN into the automobile market.

    Speaking at the unveiling of the synthetic lubricant, Oleum SYN, in Lagos, its Chief Operating Officer, Mrs. Williams Olaposi, said the product was introduced to meet the needs of users of top-of-the-range cars.

    Oando’s decision to produce synthetic lubricant, she said, was informed by the need to satisfy various layers or users of automobiles.

    She said: “The firm believes in meeting the yearnings of various users of automobiles in Nigeria. For years, the country has been using fairly used cars otherwise known as Tokunbo, and Oando has lubricants for people driving such cars.

    “In recent times, there has been a paradigm shift from the use of Tokunbo to new cars. Nigerians are now driving new and highly sophisticated vehicles, and the only way to satisfy people in that segment was to produce synthetic lubricant.”

    She said every litre of Oleum SYN comprises top quality base oil and additives, noting that the product has been certified internationally.

    Olaposi said Oando conducted several years of research before coming out with

  • Oando unveils new lubricants

    Oando unveils new lubricants

    Oando Marketing Plc has  spent  $400million to produce a wide range of lubricants. It also introduced a new lubricant for the automobile market.

    At the unveiling of the synthetic lubricant, Oleum SYN, in Lagos, its Chief Operating Officer, Mrs. Williams Olaposi, said the product was introduced to meet the needs of users of top-of-the-range cars.

    Oando’s decision to produce synthetic lubricant, she said, was informed by the need to satisfy various layers or users of automobiles.

    She said: “The firm believes in meeting the yearnings of various users of automobiles in Nigeria. For years, the country has been using fairly used cars otherwise known as Tokunbo, and Oando has lubricants for people driving such cars.

    “In recent times, there has been a paradigm shift from the use of Tokunbo to new cars. Nigerians are now driving new and highly sophisticated vehicles, and the only way to satisfy people in that segment was to produce synthetic lubricant.”

    She said every litre of Oleum SYN comprises top quality base oils and additives, noting that the product has been certified internationally.

    Olaposi said Oando conducted several years of research before coming out with the product, stressing that a lot of money was invested in the production of lubricants by the company.

    “A log of research was conducted by Oando Marketing  in order to produce a wide range of lubricants. We at Oando have invested in our plants in Apapa, Lagos and Kaduna. The two plants have a combined capacity of over 100 million litres.  So, if you talk about new bottles, adverts, research in terms of additives that we have used, over $400millon has been invested to ensure that Oando products come out in the best package one can think of,” she said.

  • Lubricant sector needs govt’s assistance

    Lubricant sector needs govt’s assistance

    Operators of the lubricant sector of the downstream oil and gas industry are seeking the intervention of the Federal Government to enable the industry contribute significantly to the growth of the economy.

    They want the government and the regulators to protect the sector from imported substandard lubricants.

    Some of the operators, who spoke to The Nation, during their summit in Lagos, urged the government to  ban imported lubricants. They argued that a law would enable the local market to not only grow but also generate employment.

    They sought incentives that would encourage lubricant marketers and blenders.

    The Lubricants Producers Association of Nigeria (LUPAN), in their position paper, said: “It is worrisome to note that the market is also a dumping ground for substandard and off-specification imported lubes of questionable quality. All these infractions are, indeed, a threat to the survival of lube manufacturers in Nigeria.

    “The indigenous lubricant industry, which employs over 5,000 workers, has the potential to generate over 50,000 additional jobs if the lubricant blending plants work at full installed capacities.”

    The Managing Director, Lubeservices Associates, Mr. Kayode Sote, said: “The government should use its might to end the influx of substandard lubes, provide level playing ground for local lube makers to produce the product needed to fast-track the development of the Nigerian economy.”

    He said Nigeria is the third largest consumer of lubricating oils, over 600 million litres, which is one per cent of the world’s total demand, with gross earnings hitting N150 billion last year.

    Sote noted that there are 32 blending plants in the country with total installed capacity of about 965 million litres per year, which  produce at a cumulative average of 45 per cent of their total installed capacity.

    He said: “The cumulative asset base of the blending plants is about N20 billion, generating about N45 billion profits in 2013. It has been estimated that 75 per cent of the total need of lubricating oil is produced locally, while the balance  comprised specialised products imported by the marketing companies into the country.”

    The Chairman and Technical Adviser to Lubcon Group, Jani Ibrahim, said the lubricant sub-sector of the oil and gas industry operated at an average of 45 per cent of their total installed capacity thereby leading to job losses, which is not healthy for the development of the economy.

    He urged the government to reduce import duty on raw materials for lubricants such as additives and base oil and packaging materials, as well as eliminate multiple taxations.

    He urged the National Assembly to fast-track the passage of Petroleum Industry bill (PIB) in order to stem capital flight and attract more foreign investments.

    The Minister of Trade and Investment, Olusegun Aganga, said the Federal Government has launched a national lubricant policy as part of its agenda to boost the use of lubricants.

    He said the objectives of the policy besides checking the influx and sale of substandard and fake lubricants to end-users, are to make Nigeria self-sufficient in lubricant production and encourage export.

    He said modalities for the implementation of the policy were being worked out in consultation with other government ministries and agencies to enhance effective participation of all the stakeholders.

    He said the government was desirous of opening new opportunities in the exploration of bitumen, tar sands as an alternative source of base oil in Nigeria.

    The Managing Director of NNPC Retail Limited, Chris Osarumwense, who represented the Minister of Petroleum Resources, said the protection of the lube sector was important because it is used in almost all the sectors, particularly in the industrial and the manufacturing sector.

  • SON endorses Conoil’s lubricants

    SON endorses Conoil’s lubricants

    The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has certified four of Conoil’s lubricant brands as high performance engine oils that provide maximum benefits to the users of modern vehicles and machinery.

    A statement from Conoil said the correct use of these lubricants ensures prolonged and trouble-free vehicle and machine operation.

    The lubricants – Golden Super Motor Oil SAE 40, Tro Tro Golden Super Motor Oil SAE 40, Golden Super Diesel SAE 40 and Quatro Heavy Duty Generator Oil 15W40 – met the specific requirement of relevant Nigerian industrial standards after series of rigorous and extensive tests of their content and production procedures.

    Golden Super Motor Oil gives adequate engine protection to older petrol engines, with good detergent and adequate viscosity retention with temperature. Golden Super Diesel engine oil is top quality diesel engine oil specially formulated to give reliable all-year-round service in light and medium duty, naturally aspirated engines.

    Infused with a comprehensive additive package and good anti-wear properties, Quatro Heavy Duty Generator Oil is the ideal choice for generating sets.

    Tro-Tro Golden Super Motor Oil is a quality multi-grade lubricant suitable for major light and medium duty vehicles that are fuelled by petrol or Compressed Natural Gas (CNG).

    Conoil described the latest SON certification as an attestation to its relentless effort to adhere to global best practices, produce high quality lubricants comparable to international standards and to provide excellent service that meet consumer satisfaction, in line with its objective of becoming the preferred marketer of lubricants in Nigeria and the West Coast.

    SON had previously certified Conoil’s lubricants, Quatro HDX, Okada Golden Super 20w50w and Quatro Ultra 20w50, confirming their status as world-class quality lubricant brands.

    Conoil boasts of highly skilled and experienced engineers capable of developing high quality lubricant products, innovatively, using modern technology.

    The company’s major lubricant plant in Apapa, Lagos is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities for testing lubricants, greases as well as upgrading existing products on continuous basis.

     

  • Conoil’s drive to export lubricants gets boost

    Conoil’s drive to export its lubricant brands to the West African countries got a boost with the company’s admission into the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS).

    Its admission into the scheme, a source from the company said, would afford it the opportunity to export its high grade, made in Nigeria motor engine oils to established markets in the sub-region duty free.

    The scheme was adopted by ECOWAS member states to eliminate trade barriers and facilitate trade integration, improve the foreign exchange earnings of companies of member states and create more jobs in their respective countries.

    The Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC) had earlier certified the quality of Conoil lubricants as export compliant.

    A statement by the company proffered that the ETLS admission qualified Conoil to participate in ECOWAS Export Expansion Grant Scheme (EEG) and enjoy at least 30 per cent rebate on its yearly export earnings.

    Conoil’s foray into the export market came from an exhaustive business research, which revealed a viable market for the company’s brand of engine oils in the sub-region, the statement added.

    Its flagship lubricant brands, Quatro and Golden Super Motor Oil, hold top positions in the Nigerian market and are adjudged the brand of choice. Quatro, the company’s premium grade, which has the American Petroleum Institute’s (API) seal of excellence, has clinched the “Lubricant of the Year” award for several years in Nigeria, the statement said.

    Quatro contains highly refined paraffin base oils and hi-tech additives that ensure minimal fuel consumption and protect car engine from rust while the Golden Super Motor oil on the other hand, has anti-wear/high detergency and oxidation resistance additives that ensure a longer engine lifespan.

    Also available are wide range of industrial lubricants for applications in manufacturing, textile, cement, breweries, oil exploration and producing companies, and transmission oils for the gear system of vehicles.

    The company controls about 30 percent of the nation’s lubricant market and has also committed substantial investments to upgrade and expand its lubricant blending plants at its depots at Apapa, Lagos, Port Harcourt and Kano with a view to meeting and surpassing customers’ ever increasing demand for its quality engine oil.