Volume 1 Issue 20

Indian Diesel Oils Evolving Fast

Diesel engine oils are the largest category of automotive lubricants in India, and they are evolving quickly. A Gulf Oil official said recently that the segment is shifting toward products that last longer, provide better fuel economy and that are compatible with emissions control technologies.

Infineum Expands Singapore Plant

Infineum unveiled a major expansion at its plant in Singapore Wednesday, and the chemical additive company said it is already planning additional capital investments in Asia.

Castrol India Reports Slowdown

Castrol India Ltd.s profit dropped 19 percent in the first quarter of 2014. Net profit after taxes was Rs 100.2 crores (U.S. $17.2 million) for the three months ended March 31, compared to Rs 124.3 in 2013s first quarter.

DDDA Plant Planned in Malaysia

U.S. biotech company Verdezyne Inc. has reached a preliminary agreement to build a factory in Malaysia to manufacture dodeconedoic acids, at least in part for lubricant applications.

Briefly Noted

German lubricant supplier Addinol announced it will open six to eight sales offices across India. The company hopes eventually to capture at least 20 percent of the nations market for premium engine oils. Another German lube marketer, Fuchs Petrolub, announced that Chief Executive Officer Stefan Fuchs will take responsibility for overseeing the Asia-Pacific region on the companys Board of Directors. The region is now overseen by Georg Lingg, who will step down in mid-2014.