Poland’s lubricant market contracted 2% in 2022, impacted by a European energy crises amplified by the war in Ukraine and related sanctions and by changes in purchasing habits of large lube consumers, according to the latest report on the Polish oil Industry by an oils industry and trade organization.

Germany’s domestic lubricant demand fell 16% year on year to 46,070 metric tons in January, with hydraulic oils and metalworking oils showing the steepest declines, according to data released today by a German government agency. Motor oil sales declined 9% to 14,941 tons in January, compared to 16,391 tons in the same month last year, the country’s Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Exported Control reported.

French biobased chemistry company Groupe Berkem yesterday announced completion of its acquisition of Biopress, a French producer of vegetable oils – which are used in lubricants and surfactants applications – and proteins. Terms were not disclosed. Located in southwestern France, Biopress mills organic oil seeds grown on local farms.