Shell Lubricants Celebrates Five Years As World’s Number One Lubricants Supplier

Shell Lubricants (Shell) has topped the list of the world’s leading lubricants suppliers for the fifth year running, according to new research into the global lubricants market. The study, conducted by Kline & Company (Kline), gives Shell more than 13 per cent of the market by volume in 2010 and a two percent lead over its nearest competitor.

As well as maintaining its leadership position in 2010 on an overall volume basis, Shell also leads in the branded lubricants category.

“Five years at the top is a remarkable achievement. It shows that our consistent strategy of focusing on leading technology and strong customer relationships has served us well,” said Mark Gainsborough, head of Lubricants for Shell.

Global demand for lubricants as a whole grew by around six percent over 2009 – indicating a slight recovery from the recession-and the U.S., the largest single market in terms of lubricant volume demand, accounted for 23 per cent of global consumption. According to Kline, Shell maintained its leadership position in the North American market with almost 13 percent share by volume, and its leadership in the U.S. lubricants market with more than 11 per cent share. Shell also strengthened its leadership position in Mexico, the fastest-growing North American market, achieving 23 per cent market share.

Looking ahead, Kline forecast slow growth for the market as a whole, but identified growth opportunities at country and product level. The strongest growth is predicted to come from the BRIC countries-Brazil, Russia, India and China–plus South Korea. Predicted continued growth for South America bodes well for Shell, which increased its share in 2010 in both Brazil and in South America overall. 

 “We are very proud to have retained our leadership in North America, and much of the credit goes to our employees’ and distributors’ efforts to defy the economy and continue to succeed in the marketplace,” said Lisa Davis, president, Shell Commercial Fuels and Lubricants, Americas. “We are also pleased with our performance in South America, where our employees and macro distributors are poised for ongoing success.” 

 The study also highlights increasing demand for synthetic lubricants, which help end users improve energy efficiency and prolong equipment life.

 “Shell is well positioned to make the most of growth opportunities and sustain our market leadership position. Last month we reached a significant milestone when the first shipment of base oil left the Pearl GTL plant in Qatar,” said Gainsborough.  “At full capacity, this plant will provide one of the world’s largest sources of high quality base oil, giving us unrivalled access to Group III base oil for use in our premium and synthetic lubricants.”