U.S. markets have sped up a little. European coastal markets are reasonably active, whereas deep-sea routes are slow. In contrast, Asian coastal markets are sluggish, but busy on long-haul.-by Adrian Brown

The takeover of Australian retail automotive brand Nulon by Fuchs Petrolub SE signals more than just a consolidation among Australian lubricant blenders; its a rare step by Fuchs into a retail market.

Indias demand for two-wheeler lubricants should remain strong in coming years even as electric models begin to penetrate the market, a motorcycle manufacturer representative told a recent industry conference, thanks to the enormous number of units powered by internal combustion engine.

Japans specialty lubricant manufacturer Moresco Corp. will begin operations at its new lubricant plant in India in June in an effort to expand its overseas market share amid a slowdown in the global economy.