Global lubricant demand is expected to increase at a compound annual rate of less than 1 percent, to 41 million metric tons by 2021, according to consultancy Kline & Co., with new vehicle sales and changing vehicle parcs driving passenger car motor oil demand in several Asian countries.

Competition is set to intensify among Indian white oils suppliers with Indian Oil Corp. Ltd.s entry in the market, as the state-run company is not only looking to target domestic customers, but also plans to tap export markets.

JX Nippon Oil & Energy plans to expand lubricants capacity and distribution channels in Thailand, Lube Report Asia learned during an interview last week with Iwase Eiichiro, the country subsidiarys newly appointed managing director.

Pakistans Hi-Tech Lubricants Ltd. reported a 44 percent jump in its annual net profit, as sales and other income surged. A decline in expenses also positively contributed to the companys bottom line.