Chevron to produce Group III+* base oil in North America

Chevron Products Company, a division of Chevron U.S.A. Inc., has announced plans to commence full-scale Group III+ base oil production at its Pascagoula, Mississippi, U.S.A., facility in Q4 2026. This development makes Chevron the first Group III+ base oil producer in North America, addressing the rising global demand for high-performance lubricants.

Group III+* base oils play a vital role in next-generation lubricants, enabling original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to meet fuel economy targets and improve oxidation performance. As market demand shifts towards lower viscosity oils, Chevron’s NEXBASE® 4 XP base oil—denoted for its ‘extra performance’—is set to enhance fuel efficiency and optimise formulations for lubricant manufacturers worldwide.

“The launch of NEXBASE 4 XP is the latest in significant investments Chevron has made in its NEXBASE brand including expanding its qualifications portfolio, upgrading the specs of NEXBASE 3043 and adding new terminals,” said Alicia Logan, general manager, Base Oils. “NEXBASE 4 XP will be globally available, starting with hubs across Europe, which will help customers optimize supply logistics and costs.”

“Automotive engine oil markets are moving to lower viscosity oils to improve fuel economy and oxidation performance. NEXBASE 4 XP will empower lubricant marketers to move to the next level of OEM specifications,” said James Booth, senior manager, Global Technology Sales & Business Development, Base Oils. “NEXBASE 4 XP will empower lubricant marketers to meet the next generation of OEM specifications.”

With the launch of NEXBASE 4 XP, Chevron will become the only base oil producer to offer a full spectrum of premium base oils, including Group II, Group II+, Group III, and Group III+*. These products are manufactured using Chevron’s proprietary ISODEWAXING® technology, ensuring high purity, superior performance, and reliability.

*The American Petroleum Institute (API) does not have an official definition for Group III+ base oils. The API categorises base oils into five groups (Group I, II, III, IV, and V) based on their saturation levels, sulfur content, and viscosity index (VI). Group III+ is an informal industry term, typically referring to Group III base oils with a higher viscosity index (VI > 130-140), but it is not officially recognised by API.

The term Group III+ is often used by lubricant manufacturers and base oil producers to differentiate high-performance Group III oils that offer better oxidative stability and low-temperature properties, approaching the performance of polyalphaolefin (PAO) Group IV oils. However, it remains a marketing distinction rather than an API-defined category.