[thackney]

The are not using it for the cheap stuff.

http://www.hydrocarbonprocessing.com/Article/3317091/Latest-News/Shell-begins-selling-new-US-motor-oils-produced-from-natural-gas.html

Shell refers to the process as its PurePlus technology, a patented process of converting natural gas into a clear base oil, which is the main component of motor oils.

Shell's PurePlus technology is now being used to create motor oils that offer complete protection to motorists in the US. Pennzoil Platinum and Pennzoil Ultra Platinum full synthetic motor oils are the only ones blended exclusively with these base oils.

[SaxxonWoods]

Thank you.

[nascarnation]

I’ve seen Pennzoil (the regular stuff, not the Platinum)looking mucho macho in recent oil tests:

check the TBN and NOACK volatility:

http://www.pqiamerica.com/Feb2014/consolidated5w20ALL.html