The markets are gliding towards the end of the year without any great urgency. In the case of the United States and Asia, prompt space is minimal anyway, but Europe requires many more cargoes before all the ships are safely through the holiday period.-by Adrian Brown

Hengli Petrochemical Co. announced this month the start-up of a Northeast China refinery that includes a 540,000 metric ton per year API Group II and III base oil plant.

State-owned PTT Oil and Retail Business Co. is preparing for listing on The Stock Exchange of Thailand next year and expects to grow its lubricant business.

Malaysias Micratto Technologies Sdn. - founded by researchers at Sunway University - will produce graphene-based lubricants for automotive applications next year, the company told Lube Report. The graphene is used as an additive to help reduce friction and wear.