Japan’s oil majors launch ILSAC GF-5 products

Fully synthetic motors oils meeting the International Lubricant Standardization and Approval Committee’s new category ILSAC GF-5 are selling in Japan for between ¥1,500 yen to 2,000 (US$18.5-24.7) per liter, ¥500-600 (US$6.2-7.4) higher than  partially synthetic motor oils. High gasoline prices are likely to boost their use as these motor oils are formulated to improve the fuel economy contribution of engine oils by 0.5%. At an Eneos service station, drivers see a poster promoting its Premium Motor Oil Sustina, which was released last November. Other lube manufacturers have recently launched a series of motor oils in accordance with the new ILSAC standards. Idemitsu Kosan Co.’s Zepro Eco Medalist became available at its affiliated gas stations last October. Showa Shell Sekiyu KK has been selling a GF-5 compatible version of its Helix motor oil series, which includes low viscosity grades, at affiliated stations since last November.  The March 1 release of Cosmo Oil Co.’s Lio series came several months after its competitors introduced their products. (May 15, 2011)