Videos | Precision Lubrication

Four Months On: How Events in the Middle East are Shaping Lubricant Supply Chains

Rafe Britton — Thu, 13 Aug 2026 17:35:37 +0000

▶ Video Feature

Back in April I published a video arguing that the lubricants industry was facing the most significant supply chain disruption of the modern era, and that readers had roughly 60 days to act. It was a big claim, and it drew a fairly even split of agreement and accusations of scaremongering.

Four months later, I thought the honest thing to do was go back and mark my own homework. This video is that reckoning, plus an update on how much the picture has shifted since.

The short version of the backdrop: strikes on Iran in February closed the Strait of Hormuz, a corridor carrying around 20 million barrels a day and, for our industry, the primary export route for Gulf base oils, additives and finished lubricants. June’s ceasefire lasted about a week.

17%

Commercial transit through the Strait of Hormuz, relative to pre-crisis volume

+800%

Rise in marine insurance costs — where coverage can be obtained at all

44%

Of US Group 3 base oil supply sidelined, according to ILMA estimates

Some of my original calls held up. Allocation and rationing did begin in May, as predicted. The Korean refiners, well outside the conflict zone but dependent on Middle East crude, went into constrained runs. And the argument that there was no safe harbour, that you could not simply switch from mineral to synthetic, proved correct.

Others did not. I called Group 1 “ground zero” when Group 3 has been the epicentre, with ILMA estimating around 44% of US Group 3 supply sidelined. I missed refinery economics entirely, where diesel margins are quietly pulling feedstock away from base oil production. And I overstated the packaging constraint.

Most significantly, I was watching the wrong part of the map. Saudi Arabia’s East-West pipeline to Yanbu was the workaround that made Hormuz survivable, until recent strikes on Jazan, Yanbu and Abqaiq closed that door too. Yanbu is not just a crude terminal. It hosts a major Luberef base oil facility that was days from bringing a significant expansion online. Abqaiq is one of the world’s largest sources of byproduct sulphur, in a market already up 130% this year, and sulphur is the foundation of ZDDP, sulphurised EP additives and sulphonate detergents.

The video covers where base oils, additives and finished lubricant pricing sit today, why recovery has moved from 2026 to deep into 2027, and the practical levers available to lubricant users right now. I would rather be corrected than comfortable, so if your experience on the ground differs from mine, I want to hear it.

▶ WATCH THE VIDEO: Four Months On – Lubricant Supply Chains

Rafe Britton is a mechanical engineer and the host of Lubrication Explained.

Unleashing the Power of Wireless Autonomous Bearing Monitoring and Lubrication

Precision Lubrication — Tue, 03 Oct 2023 16:17:41 +0000

This presentation was presented at the Lubrication Reliability Virtual Summit on September 20, 2023 by Blair Fraser, with UE Systems. Discover how UE Systems cutting-edge technologies are revolutionizing maintenance practices, enhancing equipment performance and operational efficiency.

Blair explores the latest advancements in wireless ultrasound, vibration, and temperature sensors, specifically focusing on bearing monitoring and lubrication. He uncovers the power of advanced sensors and data analytics that enable real-time monitoring and condition-based lubrication.

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A Practical Approach to Lubricant Contamination Control

Hassan Abdelnabby — Tue, 03 Oct 2023 16:16:22 +0000

This presentation was presented at the Lubrication Reliability Virtual Summit on September 20, 2023 by Hassan Abdelnabby. He discusses the types of oil contamination and how to fight back to gain control of asset health, how to achieve better cleanliness levels for our assets, and the benefits of having a lubrication program that can utilize IIOT to achieve the desired outcomes of the program.

The post A Practical Approach to Lubricant Contamination Control appeared first on Precision Lubrication.

Open Gear Lubrication: How to Reduce Wear and Boost Reliability

Rafe Britton — Thu, 05 Jan 2023 21:56:19 +0000

In this brief video, Rafe Britton explains why open gear lubrication presents unique challenges and how to overcome them.

Open gears are not enclosed within a housing and are subjected to harsh operating conditions making them more prone to wear and damage. They can experience excessive friction and heat when they are not properly lubricated, leading to premature failure and downtime.

Precision open gear lubrication helps to reduce friction, dissipate heat, and protect against wear and corrosion. It can extend the lifespan of the gears, reduce maintenance costs, and improve the overall efficiency of machinery.

Proper open gear lubrication is essential for industrial machinery’s safe and efficient operation. By selecting suitable lubricants and following best practices for application, you can maximize the lifespan of your open gears and reduce the risk of costly downtime.

The post Open Gear Lubrication: How to Reduce Wear and Boost Reliability appeared first on Precision Lubrication.

How to Plan, Build and Manage an Effective Lubrication Program

Precision Lubrication — Thu, 08 Dec 2022 19:05:20 +0000

A well-planned and executed lubrication program is the critical foundation for world-class maintenance and reliability. The best companies know this and plan a path to reach their goals. In this webinar you’ll learn how to strategically plan, create, and run a lubrication program that will drastically reduce downtime.

Whether you are in the beginning stages or are working to improve your lubrication processes, you’ll take home practical ideas you can start using right away.

The lubrication task management software examples used in the video are from LUBE-IT software: https://generationsystems.com

The post How to Plan, Build and Manage an Effective Lubrication Program appeared first on Precision Lubrication.

Bearing Lubrication: Boost Bearing Useful Life by Mastering Lubrication Management

Precision Lubrication — Thu, 08 Dec 2022 15:27:24 +0000

Bearing failures can torment even the best maintenance professional, often resulting in expensive downtime and safety issues. By focusing on bearing lubrication and learning proper lubrication management skills, bearing failures can be prevented.

In this video by SKF, you’ll learn the importance of mastering lubrication management for bearings and how to get on the path to improved bearing life at your facility.

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How to Color Code Lubricant Tags and Labels to Maximize Effectiveness

Rafe Britton — Thu, 08 Dec 2022 02:11:53 +0000

Using colored tags and labels to identify the proper lubricant for a machine is a common-sense way to help operators and lubrication technicians minimize errors and win at their job. When the wrong lubricant is put into a machine, it creates risks from both a reliability and safety standpoint.

In this video, Rafe Britton explains a system for color coding lubricant tags to help avoid common pitfalls and help you reduce lubricant application mistakes.

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The Benefits of ICML Lubrication and Oil Analysis Certification

Precision Lubrication — Tue, 06 Dec 2022 22:42:13 +0000

Thinking about sitting for an ICML exam? This video is intended for lubrication and oil analysis personnel undergoing formal training that meets ICML certification prerequisites. It features several certified practitioners and trainers who help to answer two common questions:

1. What good is ICML certification?

2. How soon after training should I sit my ICML exam?

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