Did you know that a single plastic bottle takes up to 450 years to decompose in a landfill? That’s a long time. Plastic bottles and containers are a big part of the oil and lubricant industry, practically every manufacturer uses them, but it’s time to find another way. Since plastic production began in the 1950s, over 6.5 billion tons of plastic materials have been thrown away, and only a tiny portion, 600 million tons, has been recycled. The rest clogs up landfills and our oceans, causing environmental damage.

Are consumers willing to pay more for sustainable products?
Consumers have shifted to more sustainable shopping habits in the past few years, especially among younger generations. A recent report from First Insight found that Gen Z consumers’ willingness to pay for more sustainable products increased by 42%. The report also concluded that consumers across age groups are willing to spend more on sustainable options. According to the data on sustainable consumer behavior, their top desire is to help the environment, with 23% wishing to reduce production waste and 22% wishing to reduce their carbon footprint. These statistics show that businesses willing to invest in more sustainable practices and reduce waste can appeal more to environmentally friendly consumers.

Can quick lube businesses adopt more sustainable practices?
Traditionally quick lube businesses are not thought of as environmentally friendly. Most of these types of businesses use plenty of plastic materials, promote the use of oil and gas, and service hundreds of customers each day. As a result, the carbon footprint of a quick lube business is pretty high, but it doesn’t have to be. Innovations like Chevron’s PitPack packaging solution are helping quick lube owners make more environmentally friendly choices and reduce production waste.

The Chevron PitPak® uses 89% less plastic than 946 ml bottles. This simple but innovative design is surprisingly effective. The lubricant is stored in a bag inside the corrugated, fully recyclable box, which has a built-in nozzle. The standard sizing of the box makes it easier to store than traditional oil and lubricant bottles. The package has more spacing for more prominent labels for accessible storage practices. You can even get a PitPack® Rack kit to store multiple boxes and liter dispensing jugs for easy usage. Right now, these products are available in PitPack® packaging:

• Havoline® ProDS® Full Synthetic 0W-20, 5W-20, 5W-30, and Euro 5W-40
• Havoline® Synthetic Blend 0W-20, 5W-20, AND 5W-30
• Havoline® High Mileage 0W-20, 5W-20, 5W-30, and 10W-30
• Havoline® Motor Oil 5W-20, 5W-30, and 10W-30
• Havoline ® ATF Full Synthetic MV ATF and Global MV ATF
• Delo® 400 SDE 15W-40, XLE SynBlend 10W-30, and XSP Synthetic 5W-40

But there are more benefits to the PitPack® packaging than reduced packaging waste. For example, many quick lube owners struggle to store their products. Owners report that they need to have a lot more lubricant varieties than they used to, as there are more makes and models of vehicles on the road, and people drive their cars longer. More specialized lubricants in the shop means it can be challenging to organize and store your supplies efficiently, especially in traditional quart bottles. The PitPack® packaging system makes storage easier by:

• Standardizing the space required for lubricant storage. For example, instead of trying to store oil drums or different-sized bottles, everything is one size.
• More prominent labels for easier identification
• Easier oil transfer for technicians. The dripless dispenser nozzles make it easy to transfer lubricants to reusable six-quart jugs with special lids to reduce contamination. Using this system can cut back on messy spills when technicians are servicing vehicles.
• Less product waste. Instead of leaving oil trapped in the bottle, the oil in the bag system reduces product waste to the equivalent of 24 individual bottles!

The PitPack® system is just one of the many ways that Chevron is helping business owners manage their inventory better. Smart inventory management can increase your profits if you are willing to put in the time and effort.

How can better inventory management help? Here are the best practices you can try.

• Focus on employee training. Inventory management starts with each employee. You need an organized system, and you need to make sure that everyone sticks to that system. Ensure your employees practice good shop habits like putting things away properly, keeping things neat, and rotating inventory regularly.
• Improve your organization. Organizing your lubricant supplies will save you time and money. It will help your technicians complete oil changes faster when your inventory is appropriately managed (like in the PitPack® storage rack). Jason Berry, the owner of two Havoline Xpress lube® locations, says, “I’m a stickler for a super clean shop, and the PitPack® solution is for me. Maximizing storage space compared to quarts is also a great benefit and helps the environment.”
• Create better ordering practices. Another advantage of the PitPack® system is that it makes ordering easier. The boxes hold more than traditional quart bottles, so you don’t have to place as many orders, and the large label design makes it easy to see what you need to order right on the shelf.

The last piece of advice we have is to consult your Greg’s Petro representative. Together, we can examine the trends in your region, look at your sales history, and figure out the best product and package mix for your business. Our team has excellent insights and recommendations, and we are here to help. As a Chevron lubricants supplier, we always look for the best Chevron products to share with our customers, like the PitPack®. Consumer trends and lubricant needs are constantly changing, so paying attention to what your customers want is essential. Right now, customers want sustainable options and lubricant variety, and the PitPack® options check off both boxes. If you’re ready to try these products or others in your shop, or if you need help improving your inventory practices so you can save money, give us a call! We’re here to help!

The fuel and lubricant supply industry currently faces two main concerns: higher prices and lubricant additives shortages. Unfortunately, these issues are primarily out of our control as suppliers. Record-high oil prices and supply issues are driving the higher lubricant prices worldwide. Similarly, additive shortages are affected by dwindling base oil supply stock. For many of our customers, these issues have caused great concern. They’ve had to reevaluate their lubricant budgets to reduce costs or switch to different lubricant products because their usual supplies are no longer available.

These ongoing supply and prices issues are not going away anytime soon in the lubricant world. So it’s time to start thinking outside the box. Luckily, Chevron is constantly innovating and conducting world-class research to find the latest lubricant technology breakthroughs to create superior products for their customer. One of their newest products may be the solution customers are looking for during these challenging times.

What are biofuels?
As we all know, climate change is a real threat to our planet and the fuel and lubricant industry. The fuel and lubricant industry is a massive emitter of greenhouse gases and carbon into our atmosphere, which causes climate change issues. But Chevron is committed to reducing its environmental footprint through various initiatives and by exploring new technologies.

To better address environmental concerns, Chevron has turned to the world of biofuel. Biofuels are nothing new. For years, fuel has been produced using biomass plant materials. The main product is ethanol, a biofuel created from plant materials approved for use in gasoline-powered vehicles. Most gasoline sold in the United States contains some ethanol now. In 2020, the 123.49 billion gallons of gasoline used in the United States had 12.63 billion gallons of fuel ethanol, about 10% of all gasoline fuel consumption. Typically the ethanol content of gas in the United States contains about 10% ethanol content, though it varies by region and blend. You can also find specific gasoline blends with higher ethanol too.

While ethanol may be the most high-profile biofuel material, it’s not the only one. Biofuel practices and technologies are already part of the fuel world. Besides ethanol blending, biodiesel products are produced from renewable sources such as vegetable oils, animal fats, and recycled cooking grease. These technologies and other plant-based fuel initiatives are gaining popularity daily as the fuel world looks for cleaner alternatives to petroleum-based products.

But what about biobased lubricants?
Unlike bio-based fuel and blends, plant-based lubricants have been much slower to appear on the market. The biggest reason is that it’s much more challenging to make an effective biobased lubricant than fuel. As a result, manufacturers struggled to create environmentally friendly products that still performed as well as petroleum-based lubricant supplies. Some of the biggest challenges lubricant manufacturers face in developing plant-based lubricant supplies include operating temperature limitations, fast degradation of bio-oils, lack of viscosity range, poor temperature fluidity, and increased sludge formation.

Chevron figured out biobased lubricants
Despite many of the difficulties that come from creating plant-based lubricants, Chevron’s research and development team set out to solve the problem. They started by creating a superior plant-based feedstock derived from plant seeds and pulp, then refined it into usable oil. This feedstock turned out to have better purity and molecular structure, so it was less likely to break down because it had lower volatility and friction. Once the plant-based feedstock was developed, the Chevron team created a proprietary process called ECOSTRENGTH™ Technology to filter out wax and other impurities from the stock. This process turns the feedstock into a premium lubricant!

Introducing Havoline PRO-RS™
Chevron’s plant-based technology breakthroughs helped create a revolutionary lubricant product, Havoline PRO-RS™. This fully synthetic top-tier, renewable motor oil includes 25% sustainably sourced plant-based oils derived using the ECOSTRENGTH™ process. But, this product is more than just a more sustainable choice. It also delivers superior lubricant performance, including:

• Up to 19% lower volatility than other synthetic motor oils, which helps your oil last longer and reduces your oil consumption
• Superior turbocharger efficiency and protection, up to 20% more effective than other synthetic motor oils, which helps extend the life of engine turbochargers
• Better stress test durability. Tests showed that it could keep your engine running up to 1.3x longer than other synthetic motor oils
• Oil viscosity is maintained longer, providing better thermal protection
• Superior sludge control to meet OEM requirements, so your engine stays cleaner for longer

As for the sustainability features of this product, you can expect environmental benefits such as:

• Top fuel economy over the life of the oil to help save on fuel costs
• Better emission control
• Up to 37% lower carbon intensity than other synthetic motor oils
• It’s a USDA Certified Biobased product
• Environmentally friendly packaging that uses 89% less plastic than traditional plastic bottles

Chevron is so confident in the Havoline PRO-RS™ product that it calls it the ‘best in the lineup.’ It’s backed by the Chevron limited product warranty and meets or exceeds all the latest automaker standards. You can order this product in four viscosity grades, including OW-16, OW-20, 5W-20, and 5W-30.

Why should you switch to more sustainable lubricants?
If you’re not sure if trying out the Havoline PRO-RS™ lubricant is right for you, consider these benefits of switching to more sustainable fuel and lubricant supplies, including:

• Better fuel economy
• Reduced carbon footprint
• Potentially lower costs over time
• Improved engine cleanliness and better emission control

But the biggest benefit of switching to more sustainable products is that it’s better for our planet. The more businesses and consumers switch to these types of products, and the more manufacturers will invest time and money into creating more sustainable products. That helps our planet! We are all concerned about the growing threat of climate change, and many of your customers may be eager for more sustainable choices. Wayne Glasser, General Manager at OILEX Grease Monkey®, says, “When Chevron introduced its new premium full synthetic, renewable passenger car motor oil – Havoline® PRO-RS™ – we jumped at the opportunity to include this product in our shops. We knew that our customers would be interested in having a premium full synthetic motor oil option for their vehicle. The fact that it is made with sustainably sourced plant-based oils means that we are all taking actions to support more sustainable practices. Most importantly, we’re able to expand our top-tier products by offering a differentiated, full synthetic motor oil to our customers. The bottom line is that Havoline PRO-RS is helping our business grow, and this motor oil really is better for vehicles and the environment!”

If you want to offer your customers the same opportunities, contact your Chevron Lubricants Supplier, Greg’s Petroleum Service today!

Fuel and lubricant prices are rising fast. They are growing at a rate we haven’t seen in years. Earlier this month, the national average of gasoline hit the record high at $4.104 gallons, beating the previous record from 2008 during the height of the Great Recession. These rising prices are very concerning because there is a new record high or a new reason why prices continue to climb every day. Oil and fuel prices have always ridden a wild rollercoaster of ups and downs, but lately, the ride is on a breakneck speed upward with no hope of stopping.

As a fuel and lubricant supplier, we want you to know that we are doing our best to help our customers through these challenging times. One of the ways we are doing that is by keeping a close eye on the situation and communicating why these changes continue to happen. As a result, you can expect us to stay ahead of the curve as we carefully watch the changing oil and fuel markets across the globe. Then we will do our best to communicate developments as we see them unfold so that you can plan for business.

Expect high fuel prices to last
First, let’s talk about fuel prices. We all know that costs are at record highs and climbing. The record-breaking fuel price high earlier this month on March 7 is just one of the latest fuel records to break. The national average cost of gasoline recently saw its largest 7-day price spike. Moreover, the ongoing conflict in Russia and other world events will continue to affect price increases.

According to Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy: “Americans have never seen gasoline prices this high, nor have we seen price increases so fast and furious. That combination makes this situation all the more remarkable and intense, with crippling sanctions on Russia curbing their flow of oil, leading to the massive spike in the price of all fuels: gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, and more. It’s a dire situation and won’t improve any time soon. The high prices are likely to stick around for not days or weeks like they did in 2008 but months. GasBuddy now expects the yearly national average to rise to its highest ever recorded.”

Lubricant prices are going up amid supply issues
Rising fuel prices are not the only thing business owners have to contend with; lubricant prices and availability are also becoming a problem. The increased cost of raw materials, transportation, and availability of base oils contribute to higher lubricant prices and increased scarcity of some products. One of the most significant issues facing lubricant manufacturers is the availability of additives and components, making blending finished products difficult. These disruptions are causing some manufacturers to phase out specific products or leading to long wait times for orders. In addition, many distributors struggle to find some lubricant supplies, and when they do, the prices are often higher. As a result, major manufacturers have announced price increases, including ExxonMobil, Excel Paralubes, and Chevron.

One reason manufacturers are implementing price increases is the rising cost of base oil supplies. Base oil prices have increased twice this year alone. In addition, ExxonMobil announced a $ 0.30-gallon price increase effective March 14. Demand for base oil remains high as these supplies are essential for the production of lubricant supplies and additives. Base oil prices are also strongly influenced by diesel oil prices which are also rising rapidly to record heights. Distributors expect that this situation will continue for the time being, and high prices and shortages may last for months.

Oil prices are the culprit
Most fuel and lubricant suppliers knew that prices would rise as we came out of the COVID-19 pandemic and demand increased. But the record-setting highs we’ve seen are more than anyone imagined. Now, the Russia-Ukraine war is further complicating things, as countries worldwide impose economic sanctions on Russia and their oil supplies.

Crude oil is always the driving factor behind fuel and lubricant price increases. If the oil price goes up, you can expect to be paying more at the pump. In early 2022, crude oil prices were high, around $79 a barrel in January, but as the year progressed, demand increased. But as the conflict in Ukraine escalated into a full-out war, prices rose dramatically. As of February 4, oil was around $90 a barrel. It remains to be seen exactly how the fallout of the Russian-Ukraine war will affect oil prices worldwide. We expect that prices will continue to increase. Russia produces 10% of the world’s oil supply and is also a key member of OPEC+. Sanctions against the country and its oil supplies could have significant consequences.

The record high price of oil also comes when there is low supply in the market. OPEC+ has missed output targets, and there is significant slow growth in oil production worldwide. This low supply combined with increased demand as the world recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic is cause for concern. According to the International Energy Agency, global oil demand is expected to reach 100.6 million barrels a day in the coming year.

How to offset fuel price increases
As your fuel and lubricant supplier, we know that these prices increases are not easy. Everything is getting more expensive as inflation costs rise, and your profit margins will pay the price. We want you to know that we are here for you. Here are a few programs we offer that may help reduce your fuel budget and needs.

• Fleet Fueling Program: We offer an extensive fleet fueling program that may significantly reduce fuel costs and helps you closely monitor your consumption. Using our program, you can supply your drivers with fleet fueling cards that are easy to monitor. They will have access to a nationwide network of 24-hour card lock fuelling sites, and you’ll have itemized accounting of all your fuel costs. This program also has several safeguards to prevent fraud and fuel theft!
• Oil Analysis: Rising lubricant costs and supply scarcity mean that it may be more difficult in the coming months to get the lubricant supplies you need. Our oil analysis program can help. Our lab will provide custom lubricant recommendations and equipment analysis using the data gathered from your oil samples. These findings can help you take preventative measures to prevent costly maintenance and lower your overall lubricant costs.
• Bulk Fuel Delivery and Remote Tank Monitoring: You can also offset the rising cost of fuel by buying in bulk and storing your fuel onsite. We also offer remote tank monitoring services to ensure that your bulk fuel supplies are protected from theft. Our remote monitoring tools can also help you monitor your usage so you can strategically time when you buy your next load of fuel when prices may be lower.

There is a lot out of our control in the fuel and lubricant world right now. Like you, we watch the changing developments with trepidation and hope for the best. If you have any questions about our high quality fuel and lubricants, call us today.

Recently Chevron announced the sunset of some of their grease products. These products are being phased out due to supply chain issues. Supplies of these grease products will only be available while inventory lasts, and after that time, customers will need to transition to new products. You can view the affected products here.

It is often frustrating when your favorite products or supplies are phased out. Many of our clients worry about compatibility issues or performance problems when transitioning to new products. That’s a very normal feeling, and we want to ease your mind about the process of transitioning to new grease products.

Grease 101
First, it’s important to remember that grease products always have a little diversity, even in the same product line. Grease products from different refinery locations can look different, even if they have the same makeup. Many customers fixate on grease color, but the color is often not that important. Usually, the grease is dyed to make identification easier for users. The thing to remember about grease products is that they are derived from locally sourced base oils when possible. So, even if two products have the same formula, the base oils used in different refinery locations may be slightly different, which can cause color and appearance changes. However, the grease products still have the same properties and capabilities despite the differences.

So, when you’re transitioning to a new grease product, don’t get hung up on the color or appearance of the grease. Instead, you need to focus on the compatibility and performance of the product for your needs. Chevron’s grease compatibility matrix is the best way to check which type of grease you need. This document guides you through the different levels of grease compatibility based on thickener type.

Grease products are composed of base fluid oils, thickeners, and additives. The thickener holds these substances together as grease so that it can be applied to the equipment. Different thickener types affect the performance of the grease. Here’s how it works: when the grease is applied to the moving part, the pressure exerted by the movement separates the base oil and additives from the thickener as the part moves, which then lubricates the machinery. The oil is reabsorbed back into the thickener when the moving parts stop. When grease is incompatible, this process doesn’t occur the way it should, and the oil isn’t reabsorbed into the thickener. The process is called ‘bleeding,’ and it appears when you choose the wrong grease or if there is contamination or incompatibility. If you follow the principles of the Chevron Grease Matrix, you should be able to avoid this problem and other compatibility issues as you transition to new grease products.

What about oil separation during storage?
Customers worried about ‘bleeding’ are often concerned about oil separation in their grease products during storage. They may report a layer of separated oil on top of the product, a lumpy texture, or surface cracking. Oil separation during storage is very normal and often causes no harm. Usually, you can restore the grease by stirring it up before applying it to the machinery.

Oil separation typically occurs when products are stored in high-temperature areas, at least over 43ºF. If you follow proper storage procedures, you will generally prevent this issue. We recommend following these grease storage protocols.

• Store products in cool, dry areas with minimal exposure. Indoor storage is best, and a temperature range with 32ºF to 77ºF. Ensure that your products are not exposed to dust particulates to avoid label and container deterioration.
• Store products in an upright position to prevent oil separation.
• Cover your products with plastic covers or tip oil drums to prevent water and particulate contamination when storing outdoors.
• Rotate inventory regularly, so you are using your oldest supplies first.
• Warm up your grease products to the dispensing temperature before use.
• Use airtight containers, and wipe the containers off before opening to prevent contamination.
• Clean tools and equipment you are using with your grease products before handling.

If you open your grease products and notice some oil separation, you can pour the excess oil off into a compatible container or absorbent bag. You can also stir the product to reabsorb the oil into the thickener. If you are concerned about excessive oil separation, get your products tested and analyzed for contamination or water damage.

Chevron has a large selection of grease products
Choosing the proper grease for your equipment is a complicated process, so, understandably, it’s frustrating when your favorite products are no longer available. But, even though some common Chevron grease products are being phased out, that doesn’t mean you wouldn’t be able to find other grease supplies with compatible properties. Chevron has an extensive product line and has developed various products for your lubrication needs. The replacement products Chevron is recommending provide the same level of lubricant and additive performance. It’s just a different product formula. Check the new replacement products against the Grease matrix and your equipment manual standards. You might even find that the new grease products provide additional coverage or performance.

We can help you find the right grease products
We’re not saying that one grease is the same as all others. There is a great deal of diversity among grease products, even in the same product line. But it is possible to get the same level of lubricant performance from a different but equally compatible product. It helps if you understand how grease lubricants are produced and work. Once you have that basic understanding and know-how to care for and store your lubricant supplies properly, you can then select a new compatible grease product for your equipment needs.
Our role is to help make this process easier for you. If you are concerned about any of these product changes, please call your Greg’s Petroleum Service rep. We can walk you through the selection process, explain the Chevron grease matrix, and help you select the right lubricant products for your equipment needs. We even have an oil analysis program to test your supplies for compatibility or contamination to ensure that you get the best lubricant performance. As your local fuel and lubricants supplier, we're here to help...call us today if you have any questions.

To help celebrate and give back to our veterans, Greg’s Petroleum Service is partnering with KGET for the Veteran Salute Contest.

Our Veterans are our real-life heroes, for all they have done past, present and future. That’s why we want you to help us honor the Veterans in your life. Encourage them to share their inspiring stories for our community to see and celebrate, and for a chance to win a $150 gift card. A very small token of appreciation for their service.

Kern County strongly celebrates our veterans because even if you haven’t served, you know a loved one who did. We are a close-knit family community that supports our Vets and all they’ve done for us, our community, and our country.

Studio 17’s Ilyana Capellan talks to Gabriel Sauceda, sales manager of Greg’s Petroleum Service, and veteran who served in the U.S. Marine Corps, about the importance of giving back to veterans in Kern County. Check out his live interview, here.

To nominate the veteran in your life for a chance to win, click here. We’ll randomly draw one lucky winner on March 25, April 22, and May 27. Good luck and thank you for your service!

To learn more about Greg’s Petroleum Service and check out their job openings, visit our website.