THE KEY INFLUENCES ON THE CROATIAN MARKET OF LUBRICANTS AND MARKETS IN THE REGION

Permanent and significant changes are continuous in the lubricants market in Europe and the world, as well as in the small markets such as Croatian and of the neighboring countries in southeast Europe. Trends regarding consumption and demand for lubricants and base oils are unevenly distributed, primarily due to the general global economic laws and of a deep economic crisis that continues in the region. Within the region there are still big differences in terms of quality requirements and of increase-decrease trends regarding consumption after the crisis break out in 2008. The estimates of consumption of lubricants in the region with emphasis on Croatia are presented. Activities of local manufactures of lubricants in terms of expected market growth are evaluated. The influence on lubricants quality, which differs significantly in otherwise close Southeast Europe markets, is discussed. Also, the estimation of influence of the main trends in the Croatian market in the region is given.