IT in brief

LUBE OIL WARNING

Marine lubricants supplier TOTAL Lubmarine warned that the critical supply situation in the international marine lube oils market remains a cause for concern, with prices set to rise still further this year. Andrew Knox, head of marketing, said: ‘2005 was a very stormy year and, although this year has started calmer, the forecast is not good. Additives remain in short supply, as do base oils. Supply remains a real concern for both the short and medium term. Owners would be well advised to look at ways of minimising lube consumption and not to buy on price alone at the expense of quality and delivery performance.’