Tight space availability for December has caused rates to increase on most U.S. routes, as well as in Asia. The coastal market in Europe, however, is not especially tight, and freights have not visibly changed.-by Adrian Brown

Asias electric vehicles growth will create new market opportunities for marketers of industrial lubricants, not just automotive lubes, a consultant said last month at a conference in Singapore.

Viva Energy, Shells exclusive lubricants distributor in Australia, has completed its purchase of the remaining 50 percent of Liberty Oils Australian wholesale fuel and lubricant distribution business.

JXTG Holdings Inc. will change its trade name and the name of its lubricant and grease producing subsidiary to Eneos and integrate its management structure to create a global brand for its overseas market, the company announced recently.