Is the API rating really going to mean anything in the near future?

[LubeDude]

Interesting read!<br /><br /> API Changes

 

[TheOilDoc]

Re: Is the API rating really going to mean anything in the near future?

Of course the API rating will mean something in the near future. Why wouldn't it? <br /><br />The API simply recognized that recent emergency situations, particularly in the Gulf, have resulted in oil makers being unable to supply motor oils that are consistent with their licenses. This is because their normal base stocks and additives are not available, and they can not supply their exact formulations and consistencies that were originally licensed. Since, even during the crisis, the demand for motor oil continues, the API has temporarily authorized this flexibility in their licensing requirements.<br /><br />This is a very good thing considering that the licensing program is voluntary. During this Emergency Provisional Licensing the API will still monitor and license motor oils, and require that they meet the performance of the original licensed product. EPL is not a license to provide a bad or lesser oil. It is an incentive for oil makers to provide a similar quality product during bad times. It is also a benefit for consumers who want confidence in knowing they are still getting a good oil. Otherwise, without the API's move to this temporary EPL, oil makers could begin supplying consumers unlicensed oils of any unknown quality.<br /><br />The API should be commended for their actions without the negative connotation of their future credibility.

 

[mattttt25]

Re: Is the API rating really going to mean anything in the near future?

for once (and i really think it's just once), i will recognize the fact that the oil doc (who i think knows more about oil than every other member combined) seems to be trying to start the fight this time.<br /><br />is the api rating going to mean anything in the NEAR future? i had the same question. to summarize the whole boring article, an oil producer can request and be granted a waiver to use an alternate "ingredient" in their packaged oil. what i didn't read is if they are required to package it differently (i'm assuming not). so it's safe to assume that a bottle of oil bought last month and the same bottle bought next month may not be the same oil. it will probably be fine, but it will not have met the long and tedious testing that the api is known for. i see nothing wrong with this, and understand why it's done, but it does raise the question of what does the api rating mean in the NEAR future, until the gulf region recovers.<br /><br />nice article lubey.

 

[JB]

Re: Is the API rating really going to mean anything in the near future?

I don't see any attempt to start a fight, mattttt.<br /><br />TOD's style tends to be definitive, but his info is accurate.

 

[BillP]

Re: Is the API rating really going to mean anything in the near future?

All I see is a clear explaination of what's going on with API ratings now. No foul intended.

 

[TheOilDoc]

Re: Is the API rating really going to mean anything in the near future?

A better title to the topic could have been, "The API Temporarily Implements Emergency Provisional Licensing". Or, in fashion with the article, "Shortages Spur Engine Oil Licensing Relief".<br /><br />The article was not about questioning the credibility of the API rating in the near future.

 

[LubeDude]

Re: Is the API rating really going to mean anything in the near future?

Originally posted by mattttt25:<br /> (who i think knows more about oil than every other member combined) <br />

There is and has never been any doubt about this. I also dont think there was any attempt by TOD to "Start a fight".<br /><br />My intention to bring this up was as Mattttt25 said. They could change things without anyone knowing about it. When the name of the game is profit, who knows what the oil companies would do, I mean look at the price gouging going on with the fuel, (Diesel fuel as an example). I would stock up on my favorite oil myself untill this thing is over, I dont trust them.

 

[lakelivin]

Re: Is the API rating really going to mean anything in the near future?

Excerpt from the article:<br /><br />To invoke Emergency Provisional Licensing (EPL), licensees are required to provide API with a detailed description of the event that created the need for the Emergency Provisional License; describe the steps that have been taken to find other sources of licensable material; and estimate the shortage’s expected duration. Also required: technical information showing “that the use of the substitute component will not adversely affect the claimed performance of the licensed product.”<br /> <br />Emergency licensing is meant to be as brief as possible, and under no circumstances will an EPL license be granted for longer than 90 days, API said. However, it may extend the initial license period beyond that time if the case warrants it.<br /> <br />API explicitly designed EPL to be a little-used procedure. “Relief under this section will rarely be granted by API,” it warned. “The burden is on the licensee to clearly establish that there are exigent circumstances that justify the use of this type of remedy,” – and not, it added, simply because a licensee neglected to secure raw material supplies or failed to exercise good business practices.<br /> <br />“EPL is intended to provide some flexibility in product licensing,” Bachelder noted, “provided there is an established need for a formulation change, and there exists enough data for a sound technical judgment regarding the finished product’s ability to meet claimed performance standards.”

 

[TheOilDoc]

Re: Is the API rating really going to mean anything in the near future?

I see no reason not to trust the oil companies. They have participated in the API program voluntarily, and they have brought the base stock and additive supply problem to API's attention. And it appears the API will continue to monitor the quality of the oil and continue putting their stamp of approval on those oils which meet the performance requirements. <br /><br />Keep in mind that the oil still has to meet the performance requirements for which it was licensed. It's only how the oil makers use base stocks and additives that will temporarily become more flexible. For all we know certain oil makers may be forced to use better quality base stocks or additives. Regardless, an API certified oil will continue to be an API certified oil...a symbol synonymous with consumer confidence.<br /><br />It would be ignorant to blame the oil companies for "price gouging". Oil companies are as much a free enterprise in this country as any other business. If you don't like it, don't buy it. Don't put it in your 12 mpg SUV or make that daily trip into town. The blame lies with those who continue to pay for it and demand it (us). Short supply. Big demand. It's the American way to charge a premium price for a hot commodity. If you want to solve the problem, flood the supply and lessen the demand. That is, open ANWAR so we can be more self-sufficient at supplying our country's oil needs, and manufacture more fuel efficient vehicles. Curb the American way of waste. Then you'll see the price drop.