The rise in less scrupulous resellers of lubricants

While the complexity of the UK lubricant market grows, so do the activities of less scrupulous blenders and resellers. CVW investigates.

Manufacturers of engine oils and other lubricants work closely with trusted technology providers, formulating the very highest quality and robust formulations to meet the growing needs of ever-changing vehicle and machinery. There are continual updates to oil specifications from the OEMs and government agencies. As more specific engine, gear, hydraulic and transmission designs evolve, so too must the lubricants used within them. According to Nigel Bottom from Witham Group, an independent lubricant manufacturer: “We are seeing a continued lean towards lighter viscosity grades and brand and engine specific specifications rather than generic qualities. As the pool of different applications continues to grow, the service dealerships and end users will have to carry more and more grades in stock, to cover off the increasing range of specifications they have to choose from to ensure the correct lubricants are used for the correct applications.

Illegal practices

“As qualities rise, so ultimately do the prices, and with pressure of costs increasing, the return on investment is harder to chase. In the lubricant market, we are unfortunately seeing less scrupulous lubricant resellers and blenders suspectedly using and sourcing illegal sanctioned products, sourced ultimately from Russia, at heavily discounted prices. In some cases, they are being offered at lower prices than our cost raw material and the illegal practice of ‘product dumping’ is taking place. We are advising our customers to not get caught out by this practice and to support the global sanctions in place for good reasons.

“The great work of the United Kingdom Lubricants Association (UKLA) and the VLS (Verification of Lubricant Specifications) continues, with more than 20 different oil companies and grades being reported as being non-compliant in one way or another. The pleasing result being, after a six-month review, the offending companies have changed their operation and stopped claiming their products reach certain standards and specifications. Sadly of course, as one cleans up their act, others step in their place! Witham Group is committed to offering only the approved correct lubricants at all times, and through our team ensure our customers receive only what they require.”