The impact of the increasingly bitter trade feud between the United States and China is making itself felt across all shipping routes from the U.S. Gulf, resulting in reduced activity. Asian markets were quieter last week, whereas Europe stayed roughly the same.-by Adrian Brown

A Thai lubricant blender has begun toll manufacturing for Jiangsu Lopal Tech, the Chinese lubricant marketer announced last week. Lopal officials said the lubes manufactured by PSP Specialties will be sold under the Trisonic brand, which was developed in Singapore in Thailand and China and later in other countries.

Indias GP Petroleums reported about a 35 percent year-on-year jump in its fourth-quarter net profit as lower expenses and other income more than offset the impact of weak sales.

Petronas Chemicals Group Bhd of Malaysia agreed to acquire Netherlands-based lube oil additive manufacturer BRB International B.V.s holding company for 163 million (U.S. $182 million) in cash, according to a May 16 Petronas filing with the stock exchange of Malaysia.