Following announcements reported in the previous issue of the I&C Lube News that Shell and Chevron will be increasing finished lube prices, CITGO, ConocoPhillips and ExxonMobil followed suit by announcing that they would be increasing finished lube prices effective December 21, 2007, January 1, 2008 and January 1, 2008, respectively.

Shell Lubricants has introduced Shell Spirax® ASX R, a new long-life axle fluid that offers improved fuel economy. Shell Spirax® ASX R axle fluid is specially formulated with synthetic base oils and additive technology that provide improved lubrication of the drive train. Shell Spirax® ASX R is approved by several OEMs for their extended drain specifications and meets the requirements of Dana SHAES 256 Rev C (500,000 mile oil drains, with warranty for 750,000 miles), which demonstrates the long drain capability of the fuel-efficient formulation.

Shrieve Chemical Products recently launched a complete range of ISO viscosity grade "double end- capped" PAG lubricants designed specifically for use in CO2 refrigeration and air-conditioning systems. The Zerol® RFL-EP range has been developed to meet the challenges of CO2 compressor lubrication, with high compressor efficiency and extended fluid lifetimes. This specialty product range is suitable for use in all systems where CO2 is employed as the refrigerant, including mobile air conditioning, commercial / industrial refrigeration, and domestic water heating heat pumps.

Case IH has announced that it now approves the use of B100 - or pure biodiesel - in nearly all Case IH medium- to high-horsepower tractors, combines, windrowers, and most self-propelled sprayers and cotton pickers -- so long as proper protocols are followed for engine operation and maintenance.

The Dow Chemical Company announced that its Performance Fluids business will increase the North American off-list prices of certain UCON Fluid and Lubricant products effective January 1, 2008, or as contracts allow. Price increases for select UCON Fluids and Lubricants will range from US$.03 to US$.05 per pound, depending on the product and the grade. Dow stated that these increases were prompted by strong demand and unprecedented escalation in raw material costs.

The Synthetic EP Industrial Gear Lubricants Cross Reference Chart is the seventh of a 22-chart series of the Third Edition of our Synthetic Lubricant Cross Reference Chart Series. This 22-set series consists of over 7,000 (fully) synthetic lubricants marketed by over 450 worldwide lube manufacturing & marketing companies and OEMs.