BEIJING – According to the China Grease Associations statistics survey, eight Chinese grease producers reported production capacity in excess of 3,000 metric tons (6.6 million pounds) per year in 2004, and just one reported more than 10,000 tons. But an executive with Sinopec Lubricant Co. Tianjin Branch, the countrys largest grease producer, told the Fuels & Lubes Asia Conference here on March 17 that domestic output will grow significantly in volume, quality and environmental friendl...

Chemical companies continue to raise prices on materials used by the lubricants industry. Troy Corp., Dow Europe GmbH and Dover Chemical Corp. all announced markups recently. Each cited expenses for raw materials and other inputs, which have been trending upward the past year. Troy said it will increase prices on some bactericides by 25 cents to 30 cents per pound and that the price of its Polyphase P100 fungicides will rise $1.45 per pound, all effective in the Americas and Asia/Pacific regions...

CHICAGO – Pressure is mounting on ASTM to stay on track in developing PC-10, the proposed category for heavy-duty diesel oils that are needed in the commercial marketplace next year. That need, and the nettlesome issues that could derail the effort, were the focus of a special meeting of ASTMs Heavy Duty Engine Oil Classification Panel here last Thursday. Funding issues for PC-10, and the potential obsolescence of API CF-4 diesel engine oils also took the stage. Weve got more than 40 membe...

Another entry will soon be joining the already-crowded quick-lube market. ConocoPhillips last week unveiled Lube Shop, a program designed to serve as a uniform sales channel and identity for its four brands of passenger car motor oils: Kendall, Phillips 66, Conoco and 76. Observers frequently describe the quick-lube market as saturated, but an industry publication recently documented the growth of chains linked to oil companies with signage programs like Lube Shop. ConocoPhillips officials said ...