December space has become a lot more scarce in the both the United States Gulf and Asia as demand finally ramps up. Europe, however, is still remarkably subdued.-by Adrian Brown

Iran's place in global API Group I base oil markets is proving surprisingly resilient despite last month's snap-back of United States sanctions targeting the Islamic Republic's oil sector. Exports continue because of Washington's decision to grant import waivers to eight countries, allowing them time to seek alternative supply sources.

Ghanas Tema Lube Oil Co. is progressing on a three-phase blending plant expansion project to double its lubricant production capacity from about 22,500 metric tons per year to 45,000 t/y, a company official told Lube Report.

Electric vehicles will make a more noticeable impact on passenger car motor oil demand from 2027 onwards when sales come to depend on market forces - including shared mobility applications - and less on government incentives, an industry observer told ACIs European Base Oils & Lubricants Interactive Summit in Florence, Italy.