With lubricant supply pressures affecting Japan and other JASO-focused markets, Rock Oil has reassured commercial-vehicle and equipment operators that regular supplies of its JASO DH-2 engine oils continue to flow through its distributor network across Asia.
Recent industry reporting has highlighted a severe shortage of JASO DH-2 engine oils in Japan following disruption to API Group I base-oil supplies.
Lubes’n’Greases reported that the shortage is affecting oils used in heavy-duty trucks, construction machinery and industrial equipment. The article explains that limited production outside Japan has left buyers with few straightforward import alternatives. The disruption is particularly relevant to operators and distributors in JASO-focused markets across East and Southeast Asia, including Japan, Malaysia, Singapore and the Philippines.
Against this backdrop, Rock Oil has confirmed regular product flow through its established distributors across the region. Its TRUCK-GUARD® LS and TRUCK-GUARD® ELITE LS ranges include products meeting JASO DH-2, giving customers continued access to suitable heavy-duty diesel engine oils through their regional supply partners.
Greg Hewitt, Rock Oil’s Managing Director, said:
“We are proud of the resilience Rock Oil has built into its supply chain. It enabled us to continue supporting customers through Covid-19, the disruption caused by the war in Ukraine and now the current Middle East crisis. Keeping product moving and serving our customers remains our number-one priority.”
Why JASO DH-2 matters
JASO DH-2 is a low- to mid-SAPS heavy-duty diesel engine-oil specification intended primarily for trucks and buses fitted with modern exhaust-aftertreatment systems, including diesel particulate filters and catalysts.
Its sulphated-ash limit of 1.0% maximum by mass distinguishes it from the high-SAPS JASO DH-1 specification. Controlling the lubricant’s ash content helps reduce permanent ash accumulation in the DPF, while limits on phosphorus and sulphur help protect catalysts and maintain the performance of the vehicle’s emissions-control system.
DH-2 oils are intended for use with low-sulphur diesel containing no more than 0.005% sulphur, equivalent to 50 parts per million. Mineral, semi-synthetic or synthetic base oils can be used, provided the finished lubricant meets the complete specification.
TRUCK-GUARD coverage for JASO markets
Rock Oil’s relevant range covers four widely used viscosity grades:
- TRUCK-GUARD® ELITE LS: SAE 5W-30, 10W-30 and 10W-40
- TRUCK-GUARD® LS: SAE 10W-30, 10W-40 and 15W-40
The low-ash formulations are designed for heavy-duty diesel applications using aftertreatment technologies such as DPF, selective catalytic reduction and exhaust gas recirculation. Depending on the grade, the products also meet or address specifications including API CK-4, CJ-4 and CI-4 and ACEA E7 and E11, providing useful coverage across mixed commercial-vehicle and equipment fleets.
While supply conditions remain unsettled, Rock Oil is working with its distributor network to maintain regular product flow and support customers across Asia. To locate your closest regional supplier, visit Rock Oil’s Global Distributors page.