Markets out of the U.S. Gulf are almost entirely focused on contractual shipments, meaning that space is very tight for spot cargoes. European and Asian markets are both plodding on - nothing spectacular, but nothing critical either.-by Adrian Brown

In a country where effective marketing techniques are already significantly different from those in the West, Chinas lubricants market is poised for even more change in the near future, attendees heard during an industry conference held in London last month.

Fuchs Petrolub signed an agreement to acquire independent lubricant blender Nulon Products Australia, an expansion into the competitive retail market for automotive lubes down under. Terms were not disclosed.

The rising global penetration of electric vehicles eventually will heavily impact overall lubricant demand, and the lubricants industry must prepare to meet the new requirements of original equipment manufacturers, a senior industry official said.