The benchmark S&P/ASX 200 was up 0.4% at 4,878.00 points. Some energy-related shares were in positive territory on Tuesday having made losses a day earlier on oil price worries.
BHP Billiton shares were up 0.9%, but Santos shares were in negative territory again, down 1.9%.
In South Korea, the benchmark Kospi index was down 0.1% at 1,876.37.
Official numbers released on Tuesday showed producer prices in the country fell in December for the 17th month in a row.
On a brighter note, however, the pace at which prices have been falling slowed.