Upon their merger later this week, Japanese oil majors JX Holdings and TonenGeneral Sekiyu KK together will be the countrys largest supplier of lubricants. But observers say its not clear how the behemoth will integrate its lubricants operations as it targets more growth in the segment.

The growing popularity of app-based, on-demand oil change services in Indonesia gives lubricant marketers a new channel of distribution into second- and third-tier cities where consumers may not have easy access to physical workshops.

Pakistans Oil and Gas Regulation Authority has granted an unprecedented number of marketing licenses to lubricant players in recent months in hopes of fostering competition and investment in the sector. Meanwhile, an industry association says the regulators fee structure needs reform.

Yips Chemical Holdings Ltd. made a profit of 1.68 million Hong Kong dollars (U.S. $216,000) in 2016 after suffering a HK $26 million loss the year before. Sales revenue was down, but the group said operational improvements led to better gross profit margins.