The European market has fared better than other regions this week. Asia has flopped again, and the U.S. looks rather ragged in places. Rising bunker costs are becoming a major factor for owners who will be trying to recoup the extra cost through higher freights. -by Adrian Brown

China Shenhua and Shanghai Naco Synthetics last week commemorated the opening of a joint venture research center designed to develop coal-to-liquids and gas-to-liquids lubricants technology.

Entering into Indias automotive lubricant market may seem like a no-brainer due to the countrys position as one of the globes largest markets, but the vast number of already established players can impede success, said an industry insider at an event in Mumbai last month.

Gulf Oil Lubricants India Ltd., a Hinduja Group company, enjoyed significant increases in net profit for both its fourth quarter, and its full fiscal year, the company reported late last week.

In a deal that would strengthen ties between two of the worlds largest lithium suppliers, Nutrien Ltd. agreed last week to sell a 24-percent stake in Chiles SQM to Tianqi Lithium Corp.