Federal special project highlights Omsk white oils as key contributors
In a significant development for Russia, Gazpromneft-Lubricants has started producing white oils domestically as of May 2025, marking a key milestone in the Russian lubricants and petrochemical industry [1]. This move is set to have a growing impact on the Russian economy, reducing reliance on imports and supporting various industrial sectors.
Significance in the Russian Economy
The launch of Gazpromneft-Lubricants' white oils production plant contributes to strengthening Russia's refining and petrochemical industries by providing a locally produced base oil product traditionally imported [1][5]. This move improves supply chain resilience amid global sanctions.
White oils, derived from refined hydrocarbons, align with Russia’s strategy to deepen processing and create higher-value products domestically. This development complements crude oil production and refining activities in Russia's main oil regions and refineries, such as the Omsk refinery modernization efforts aiming to produce high-quality products [3][4].
Uses of White Oils in Various Industries
White oils are highly refined mineral oils with exceptional purity, making them ideal for use as inert bases or carriers in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and personal care products due to their chemical stability and safety [2]. In the food industry, they act as lubricants and release agents, benefiting from their non-toxic and food-grade quality [2].
In the chemical and manufacturing sectors, white oils serve as lubricants and insulating oils in machinery, electrical transformers, and various industrial processes requiring stable and non-reactive oils [2]. White oils are also important process oils improving flexibility and processing of elastomers and plastics in the rubber and plastic industries [2].
Industrial Milestone and Economic Resilience
The establishment of Gazpromneft-Lubricants' white oils production capacity represents not only an industrial milestone for Russia but also an element of strategic economic resilience. It favors domestic supply and supports diversified industrial applications, catering to key industries including pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food processing, manufacturing, and plastics [1].
Anatoly Skoromets, the general director of "Gazpromneft-Lubricants", stated that white oils produced by the company are already actively used on Russian enterprises [6]. Skoromets also mentioned a stable increase in interest in this product and the company's readiness to provide more than 30% of the Russian market's demand for white oils by the end of 2025 [6].
The quality and safety of the white oils produced by the Omsk plant have been confirmed by Rospotrebnadzor, GOST, and the 'Eurasian Register of Food Lubricants' [7]. The white oils are odorless and tasteless, transparent, and chemically and biologically neutral [7]. The Omsk plant's white oils are safe for humans as they undergo a complex cleaning process [7][8].
The RBK publication has released a research special project on white oils produced by the company "Gazpromneft-Lubricants" [9]. This research project discusses the technology of creation, areas of application, and the significance of production in Omsk for the Russian economy and consumers [9].
In summary, Gazpromneft-Lubricants' white oils production plays a critical role in enhancing Russia’s petrochemical self-sufficiency, reducing dependency on imports amid geopolitical pressures, and catering to key industries including pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food processing, manufacturing, and plastics.
[1] Gazpromneft-Lubricants [2] White Oils [3] Omsk Refinery [4] Omsk Refinery Modernization [5] Import Substitution [6] Anatoly Skoromets [7] Safety and Quality [8] Complex Cleaning Process [9] RBK Research Special Project
- The development of Gazpromneft-Lubricants' white oils production in Russia significantly contributes to the nation's economic resilience, offering a locally produced base oil and reducing dependency on imports.
- White oils, a products derived from refined hydrocarbons, are versatile and ideal for use in various industries such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food processing, manufacturing, and plastics.
- In addition to their applications in industrial sectors, white oils act as lubricants and release agents in the food industry, thanks to their non-toxic and food-grade qualities.
- Russia's strategic plan for deepening processing includes the creation of higher-value products domestically, such as white oils, which aligns with crude oil production and refining activities.
- The quality and safety of Gazpromneft-Lubricants' white oils have been confirmed by several regulatory bodies, including Rospotrebnadzor, GOST, and the 'Eurasian Register of Food Lubricants'.
- The Omsk plant's white oils are safe for humans, as they undergo a complex cleaning process to ensure they are free of impurities.
- The manufacturing and petrochemical sectors can also benefit from the use of white oils, which serve as lubricants, insulating oils, and process oils in machinery, electrical transformers, and industrial processes.
- The technology behind the creation of white oils and its significance for the Russian economy and consumers was the focus of a research special project published by RBK.
- Recognizing the growing demand for white oils and their potential impact on various industries, Anatoly Skoromets, the general director of "Gazpromneft-Lubricants", stated the company's goal to meet more than 30% of the Russian market's demand for white oils by the end of 2025.
