Asia is a very minor market for the finished products, with demand that pales compared to Europe and the Americas. However, biolubricant suppliers say Asian demand could take off if prices come into line and regulations are put in place.

Undaunted by a global supply glut, petrochemical producer Hengli Petrochemical Refinery Co. has decided to enter the base oil market, undertaking to build a large API Group II and III plant in Dalian, China.

Chinese base stock supplier Hainan Handi Sunshine Petrochemical Co. must delay plans to expand its refinery on Yangpu Peninsula due to land disputes with local communities, according to a source at Handi.

Malaysias Petronas Lubricants International introduced the industrys first 0W-20 heavy-duty diesel engine oil in Italy last week after co-developing it with Italian truck manufacturer Iveco.

Chevron Lubricants Lanka PLC inaugurated a 45 million liter blending plant and warehouse complex in Sapugaskanda, Sri Lanka, last week.