APIs newly adopted twin heavy-duty diesel engine oil categories are unlikely to receive broad early use in developing Asian countries due to issues of fuel quality and engine technology, according to the individual who led the development of the standards.

If India is one of Asias brightest lubricant markets, then much of its light comes from motorcycle and passenger car engine oil segments. Demand for these products is forecast to grow more than 6 percent per year, and passenger car oils are rapidly upgrading in quality, an industry insider told a conference last month.

Chevron Lanka said sales and marketing promotions such as product giveaways and prizes for distributors helped it to increase sales volumes during 2015, despite a challenging business environment.

Biodiesel continues gaining ground in Indonesia and Malaysia. Indonesia raised its requirement for biodiesel content in diesel from 10 percent to 20 percent in January, while a proposal to mandate 10 percent biodiesel is pending in Malaysia.