Japan’s January lube consumption slid to 104,243 kiloliters (93,700 metric tons), down 7% from 111,525 kL in the same month last year, according to data released Feb. 28 by a government agency. Sequentially, January’s figure – the lowest since 68,909 kL last August – was down 9% from 113,474 kL in December.

Japan’s KH Neochem Co.’s performance materials segment, which includes refrigeration lubricant raw materials, and metalworking fluid and industrial oil producer Yushiro Chemical Industry Co. both reported higher profit and sales for the quarter ending Dec. 31. KH Neochem posted a 93% increase in operating profit for its unit, while Yushiro’s operating income more than doubled.

United States-based performance chemical supplier SI Group said Wednesday that it has expanded capacity to make phenolic ester antioxidants at its factory in Jinzhou, China. The chemicals are used in lubricants among other applications. A news release issued Wednesday said the company sees growing demand for the products from both the lubricants and plastics industries in the Asia-Pacific region.