Refrigeration compressors require lubrication in order to function; oil-less types have not as yet been designed and perfected. Thus, an assured supply of lubricant is essential to the continuing growth of the refrigeration industry. Except for certain synthetic types, compressor oils are principally fluids derived from petroleum lUbricating oil stocks. The refiner classifies these oils as a specialty type oil.

During the petroleum emergency of 1973-74, demand for refrigeration oils, as well as other types of specialty oils, exceeded the available supply. The reasons for this shortage are not immediately obvious. But because refrigeration oils are so critically important to the future of the refrigeration industry, and to society as well, an assessment of their future availability is a matter of concern. This study attempts to define the known factors affecting availability, and to assess their future impact.