Refined Products
June 22, 2026
Platts proposes to launch weekly Group III base oil FOB Asia assessments from Sep 2
Platts, part of S&P Global Energy, proposes to launch weekly Group III base oil spot assessments for FOB Asia, effective Sept. 2.
The proposed assessments would reflect spot cargoes for:
Group III
| Grade | Basis | Quantity | Laycan | Location |
| 4CST | FOB Asia | 1,000 mt in bulk | 15-45 days forward | South Korea, Malaysia |
| 6CST | FOB Asia | 1,000 mt in bulk | 15-45 days forward | South Korea, Malaysia |
| 8CST | FOB Asia | 1,000 mt in bulk | 15-45 days forward | South Korea, Malaysia |
The assessments would be launched to complement the existing Group III-Approved FOB South Korea basis Ulsan assessments.
The new assessments would be published in $/metric ton and would take into consideration price information gathered during the week ahead of the assessment, with indications normalized to the close at 4:30 pm Singapore time on Wednesday of each week.
The assessments would reflect the values of physical base oils cargoes at the close of 4:30 pm Singapore time on Wednesday and would follow the Singapore publishing schedule. When a Singapore public holiday falls on the planned publishing day, the assessment would be published the day prior to the public holiday.
Details of the proposed specifications:
| 4CST | 6CST | 8CST | |
| ASTM Color | Maximum 0.5 | Maximum 0.5 | Maximum 0.5 |
| Viscosity at 100 degrees Celsius | 4.0-4.5 millimeters squared per second | 5.5 -6.7 millimeters squared per second | 7.0-8.2 millimeters squared per second |
| Viscosity Index | Minimum 120 | Minimum 120 | Minimum 120 |
| Flash Point | Minimum 200 degrees Celsius | Minimum 200 degrees Celsius | Minimum 200 degrees Celsius |
| Pour Point | Maximum -15 degrees Celsius | Maximum -12 degrees Celsius | Maximum -10 degrees Celsius |
| Sulfur content | Maximum 10 ppm | Maximum 10 ppm | Maximum 10 ppm |
Pricing information with terms, locations and specifications different from the above standard may be considered for assessment purposes, subject to normalization.
Please send any questions, comments or feedback to asia_products@spglobal.com with a copy to pricegroup@spglobal.com by July 29.
For written comments, please provide a clear indication if they are not intended for publication by Platts for public viewing.
Platts will consider all comments received and will make comments not marked as confidential available upon request.