SN500 Base Oil
The volume neutral stock for engine & industrial oils
SN500 is the highest-volume solvent-neutral grade in the world lubricant trade and the backbone of most blends. It contracts against kinematic viscosity at 40°C (roughly 90–110 cSt) and 100°C (10.5–11.5 cSt), viscosity index (≥ 95 Group I, ≥ 100 hydrotreated Group II), flash point (≥ 220°C COC), pour point (≤ -6°C) and ASTM colour (≤ 2.0 Group I, ≤ 0.5 Group II). Group I SN500 carries sulphur around 0.3–0.9% and saturates in the 70–85% band; Group II is hydroprocessed to under 0.03% sulphur and over 90% saturates. That difference is not cosmetic — it changes oxidation life, additive response and volatility, and it is why an API SN/SP engine-oil formulation will usually name Group II while a mineral hydraulic or industrial oil is content with Group I.
A blender reaches for SN500 rather than SN150 when the formulation needs body and film strength as the base rather than dilution — mono- and multigrade engine oils, gear and transmission oils, hydraulic and turbine oils, grease base fluid, and as the middle of an SN150/SN500/bright-stock ladder that lets you hit any SAE grade from three tanks. Where SN500 runs out is at the top end: if you need KV100 above roughly 12 cSt without going synthetic, bright stock does what SN500 cannot. CBIL brokers virgin Group I and Group II SN500 from Gulf, South Korean and Singaporean refiners against COA and SGS verification of viscosity, VI, flash, pour, colour and sulphur. Supply is arranged in 24 MT flexitanks, ISO tanks and new steel drums on FOB, CFR and CIF terms, spot or on term contract to smooth your blending schedule.
Indicative reference
$780–820 USD / MT
as at September 2026
Reference level only — not an offer, and reviewed quarterly. Levels shown are as at September 2026. Firm pricing is quoted per RFQ, subject to volume, terms and inspection.
Typical Specification
Specifications are indicative and adjusted to the agreed contract and destination requirements. Final spec confirmed on COA / SGS.
Available Grades
Applications
- Engine-oil blending
- Gear & transmission oils
- Hydraulic & turbine oils
- Grease base fluid
- Industrial & compressor oils
Category
Petroleum & Energy
Incoterms
FOB · CFR · CIF
Pricing basis
USD / MT
Inspection
SGS / Intertek at load port
SN500 Base Oil — buyer questions
What is the practical difference between Group I and Group II SN500?
Sulphur and saturates. Group I SN500 runs 0.3–0.9% sulphur with 70–85% saturates; Group II is hydroprocessed to under 0.03% sulphur and over 90% saturates. That gives Group II better oxidation stability, lower volatility, cleaner colour and better additive response. Modern API SN/SP engine-oil formulations generally require it. Mineral hydraulic and general industrial oils usually do not, and Group I remains the economic choice there.
Can SN500 alone cover my whole SAE grade range?
No, and it is not meant to. SN500 is the middle of the ladder at 10.5–11.5 cSt @ 100°C. You pull down to lighter grades with SN150 and push up past roughly 12 cSt with bright stock. Most blending plants run all three tanks precisely so any SAE grade falls out of a two- or three-component blend rather than a special purchase.
Do you supply against a COA before shipment?
Yes. Every parcel we broker ships against a COA plus independent SGS verification of viscosity at 40°C and 100°C, VI, flash point, pour point, colour and sulphur at load port. If your incoming spec has a tighter window than the standard grade sheet, tell us up front — it changes which allocation we work.
How quickly does SN500 pricing move?
It tracks crude and refinery run rates but lags them, and Group I availability is structurally tightening as older solvent plants close. Term contracts price the security of supply as much as the barrel. If you have a predictable monthly draw, a term structure is usually worth more to you than chasing spot.
Ready to source SN500?
Send your quantity, specification, preferred Incoterms and destination port. We'll verify supply and respond with a workable offer — usually within one business day.
Have SN500 to sell? Submit an offer — we'll match it against live buyer demand.