Diesel exports from Asia and the Middle East were expected to rise in July to nearly 3 million tonnes as a number of newly-built very large crude carriers (VLCCs) have been booked to ship refined product on their maiden voyage, according to traders.

A crude unit (topping 3) at Italy's 200,000 barrel per day Milazzo oil refinery which has been shut down since June 21 is expected back online on June 30, a spokesman for the plant said.