UAE Strengthens Position as Regional Powerhouse in Base Oil Trade and Blending, Bridging Global Supply with Middle East and Africa
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has firmly established itself as a central hub in the Middle east’s base oil industry, serving as a strategic link in the global supply chain. Leveraging its geographic advantage and world-class infrastructure—particularly through ports like Jebel Ali and Fujairah—the UAE plays a vital role in facilitating both regional distribution and international trade. The country maintains an active position in the market, with strong import volumes from global suppliers including the United States, India, Thailand, and Iran. Despite occasional geopolitical constraints, the UAE continues to diversify its sourcing strategies, with increasing spot imports from Asian refineries enhancing flexibility and resilience in supply chains. Beyond imports, the UAE has cultivated a robust re-export and toll blending ecosystem. It serves as a reliable redistribution point for base oils into neighboring markets such as Oman, Saudi Arabia, East Africa, and parts of North and C...