The meteoric rise in clean petroleum freight that occurred last week was not replicated in the chemical shipping market. However, there has been sustained demand in all regions and on some routes freights have moved up, albeit cautiously.-by Adrian Brown

Neste stated last week that it has written off its holding in Nynas, an admission of the difficulties that the joint venture faces under economic sanctions against Venezuela.

A month after a blaze roared through two Lubrizol warehouses in Rouen, France, the company is still working to reopen its manufacturing facility there.

Russian motorists who purchase motor oil most often consider factors such as original equipment manufacturers recommendations, the oils viscosity and their personal experience with the product, as well as the price, a consultancy found.