Chemical exports out of the U.S. are running at a reasonably steady pace. Europe and Asia, however, are both considered to be quieter than normal.-by Adrian Brown

The number of base oil supply sources around the world is increasing, and so is the number of merchant marketers that are in the business mainly to supply other lubricant manufacturers, an industry insider said at the ICIS Asian Base Oils & Lubricants conference in Singapore on Wednesday.

Vehicle sales across Southeast Asias big three markets - Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand - are projected to cross 3.9 million units combined by 2025, according to an analysis by Frost & Sullivan. The study cited factors such as robust economic growth, high population and low car parc.

Demand for engine oil used in natural gas engines is projected to grow over the next few years as governments push for cleaner fuel alternatives, according to a market report by consultancy firm Kline & Co.