Volume 9 Issue 18
Blenders Grapple with China’s Lockdowns
May 6, 2022Companies in China’s lubricant industry are striving to continue delivering products to clients during stringent government lockdowns – imposed in a number of cities because of a surge of Omicron coronavirus cases – but it is not a cakewalk. Lockdowns have hampered some companies’ ability to maintain manufacturing operations, and most if not all face logistical challenges.
Japan’s Lube Production, Exports Steady
May 6, 2022Japan’s production and exports of lubricants both remained steady throughout the first quarter of this year, while domestic sales fell more than 10%, according to data released April 28 by the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Economy.
Mixed Results for Korean Base Oil Refiners
May 6, 2022S-Oil reported a slight increase in profits for its base oil and lubricants business for the quarter ending March 31, while fellow South Korean base oil refiner Hyundai Shell Base Oil posted a steep drop in profits.
From Other Editions of Lube Report
May 6, 2022U.S. Base Oil Output Up in February
Briefly Noted
May 6, 2022Sales of motorcycles and scooters in four Southeast Asia countries – Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand – increased 6% to 323,508 in February, compared to the same month last year, according to Asean Automotive Federation data. Sales increased 15% in Thailand to 149,124, and by 5% in the Philippines to 133,124, while they fell 16% to 39,812 in Malaysia and by 4% to 830 in Singapore.