Lloyds List: Shell force majeure on lubricants: “The move follows the worsening of a shortage of lubricants which began at the port of Singapore last month. Hurricane Katrina has worsened the problem, putting the Chevron Oronite plant in Louisiana out of action.”: Friday Sept 09, 2005

SHELL Marine Products has declared force majeure on supplies of marine lubricants in the US and on Alexia 50 cylinder lubricant in Asia Pacific and the Middle East Gulf, with immediate effect, writes Neville Smith.

The move follows the worsening of a shortage of lubricants which began at the port of Singapore last month. Hurricane Katrina has worsened the problem, putting the Chevron Oronite plant in Louisiana out of action.

SMP said in a statement it was working with its usual and alternative suppliers 'to mitigate and minimise any impact on our customers' operations'.

A source in the lubes market told Lloyd's List Bunker 60 that similar announcements should be expected in the next few days, adding that 'we are at the point where suppliers can't fulfil their obligations. Ships will be leaving port because they can't get cylinder oil.'

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