Jul 20, 2026 – 8.00pmThe head of one of Australia’s leading grease and lubricant companies says a supply crunch of base oils from the Middle East conflict could slow down heavy industry and mining operations as global stocks dwindle and unreliable shipments hamper vehicle and machinery maintenance.Julie Harrison, chief executive of Harrison Manufacturing, a major supplier to mining companies, said she had been warned that a shipment to service July’s order of Group 1 base oil was delayed and not delivering the requested volume, adding to growing concerns about the widening impact and longer-term economic shock of the Iran war.Subscribe to gift this articleGift 5 articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe.Subscribe nowAlready a subscriber? Fetching latest articles