Volume 1 Issue 33

China Rerun, Huachen Discuss Merger

China Rerun Chemical and Liaoning Huachen Petrochemical are discussing potential areas of cooperation, including a merger of the companies equity, Rerun disclosed last month.

Big Wax Plant Opening in India

Numaligarh Refinery Ltd. is preparing to open to open the largest wax plant in India - a 50,000 ton per year facility being built in the northeastern city of Guwahati.

Earnings Down at Balmer Lawrie, Up at Sah

Balmer Lawries grease and lubricants segment posted a loss for the three months ended June 30, while Sah Petroleums moved back into the black after a loss during the same period a year ago.

Standing Up Against Soot

Automakers and lubricant formulators alike recognize that soot is a bad actor, promoting engine wear and untimely engine failure. Researchers hope a fundamental understanding of how soot particles and agglomerates behave will ultimately lead to better antiwear protection and longer engine life.

Briefly Noted

Global demand for lubricant additives will increase 38 percent from 2013 to U.S. $16.3 billion in 2020, according to an analysis by Frost & Sullivan. Vitol completed its acquisition of Royal Dutch Shells downstream operations in Australia, including lubricant sales, and immediately renamed the Aussie business Viva Energy Australia.