Gulf Oil India

What Gulf Oil India does

Gulf Oil Lubricants India Ltd (GOLIL) is the Indian operating subsidiary of the Hinduja Group's lubricants business, manufacturing and marketing a comprehensive range of automotive, commercial-vehicle, agricultural, industrial, marine, and electric-vehicle lubricants under the global Gulf brand. Headquartered in Mumbai with manufacturing and R&D facilities in Silvassa and Ennore (Chennai), the company produces over 400 SKUs spanning engine oils, gear oils, transmission fluids, coolants, and specialized EV fluids. Its core technology stack rests on proprietary formulation platforms — notably ThermoShield Technology in Gulf Formula Elite (the first-fill lubricant for McLaren Automotive supercars and hypercars), Engine Clean Technology in Gulf Max, and wear-guard agents in Gulf Ultrasynth — alongside BS-VI compliant engine oils and a dedicated eLEC EV fluids portfolio developed in partnership with Altigreen for electric three-wheelers.

GOLIL operates a multi-channel go-to-market combining direct enterprise field sales to OEMs and industrial customers, a dealer/retailer/garage network across India, branded service centers (Bike Stop Car Stop), e-commerce distribution through Amazon and Flipkart, and exports to over 25 countries via the Gulf Oil International network. Revenue is generated primarily through one-time unit sales of lubricant and battery products across passenger vehicles, 2-wheelers, commercial vehicles, tractors, industrial applications, and — increasingly — electric vehicles. The company holds a top 2/3 market position in the Indian lubricant market among private-sector brands and is anchored by approved-supplier relationships with 20+ OEMs including Ashok Leyland, Mahindra, Tata Motors, Bajaj, Swaraj, Bharat Benz, and Ford. Marketing is brand-led, leveraging high-visibility motorsport partnerships (Williams F1, Trackhouse MotoGP, McLaren Automotive), the Chennai Super Kings cricket sponsorship, and brand ambassadors MS Dhoni, Hardik Pandya, and Smriti Mandhana. The parent Hinduja Group provides corporate backing, while Gulf Oil International Limited (Cayman Islands) controls the global brand IP.

Name

Gulf Oil India

Legal name

Gulf Oil International Limited

Website

https://india.gulfoilltd.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1901

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

251–500 employees

Short description

Gulf Oil India (GOLIL) manufactures and markets automotive, industrial, agricultural, marine, and EV lubricants under the Gulf brand, serving 20+ OEMs and a nationwide dealer network across India with exports to 25+ countries.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Automotive Lubricants

NAICS

Petroleum Lubricating Oil and Grease Manufacturing (324191)

SIC

Wholesale-Petroleum & Petroleum Products (No Bulk Stations) (5172), Miscellaneous Products Of Petroleum & Coal (2990), Wholesale-Chemicals & Allied Products (5160)

akta.pro primary industry

Industrial & Heavy-Duty Lubricants (IMAEAMAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Marine Lubricants (IMAEAMAM), Retail & E-commerce Lubricants Sales (Auto Parts, Quick Lube, Online) (EUALAJAF), Gear Oils & Transmission Fluids (IMAEAMAE), Greases & Specialty Lubricants (Greases, Pastes, Chain Oils, Silicone/Fluoro) (EUALAJAJ)

Keywords

• Automotive lubricants
• Engine oils
• Industrial lubricants
• Electric vehicle fluids
• Marine lubricants

Headquarters

HQ city

Ennore, Chennai

HQ country

India

HQ region

Asia

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Personnel, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Automotive Lubricants: Sale of engine oils, gear oils, and automotive lubricants for cars, motorcycles, commercial vehicles, and agricultural equipment through B2B OEM partnerships and B2C retail channels.
2. Industrial Lubricants: Sale of industrial lubricants including hydraulic fluids, compressor oils, gear oils, and cutting oils to industrial, infrastructure, and institutional customers through direct sales network.
3. Electric Vehicle Fluids: Sale of specialized EV fluids including brake fluids, gear oils, coolants, and driveline fluids for electric vehicles, currently through exclusive OEM partnerships like Altigreen.
4. 2-Wheeler Batteries: Sale of 2-wheeler batteries, representing a significant share in the 2-wheeler batteries segment in India.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Gulf Oil India (Gulf Oil Lubricants India Ltd / GOLIL) manufactures and markets a comprehensive portfolio of performance lubricants for passenger vehicles, motorcycles, commercial vehicles, tractors, industrial equipment, marine vessels, and electric vehicles. The company supplies engine oils, gear oils, transmission fluids, coolants, brake fluids, driveline fluids, and greases, with OEM approvals from leading automotive manufacturers including Ashok Leyland, Mahindra, Tata Motors, Bajaj, and McLaren Automotive.

Product overview

Gulf Oil India is a lubricant manufacturer offering a comprehensive portfolio of automotive, agricultural, and industrial lubricant products. The core product line includes passenger car engine oils (Gulf Formula, Gulf Ultrasynth, Gulf Max, Gulf Multi, Gulf Multi G+, Gulf Multi Fleet, Gulf Max TD), diesel engine oils (Gulf Super Diesel X-10), CNG/LPG engine oils (Gulf Multi CNG), and motorcycle lubricants (Gulf Syntrac, Gulf Pride 4T). The company also offers commercial vehicle products including Gulf Eurocool Dura Max 40 (Ashok Leyland approved), tractor/farm equipment lubricants, and a growing range of EV-specific fluids (Gulf Formula Hybrid, Gulf eLEC Coolant, Gulf eLEC Driveline Fluid, Gulf eLEC Brake Fluid) developed in partnership with Altigreen. Supporting products include Gulf Kool Guard G48 and Gulf Kool Guard engine coolants. Gulf Formula Elite serves as the first-fill lubricant for McLaren Automotive vehicles. The company also provides marine lubricants through GulfSea Cylcare products.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Gulf Formula: Advanced Full Synthetic Engine Oil for sustained peak performance
• Gulf Ultrasynth
• Gulf Max
• Gulf Multi
• Gulf Super Diesel X-10
• Gulf Syntrac
• Gulf Pride 4T
• Gulf Kool Guard
• Gulf Eurocool Dura Max 40
• Gulf eLEC Coolant
• Gulf eLEC Driveline Fluid
• Gulf eLEC Brake Fluid
• Gulf Formula Hybrid

Products and services

• Gulf Formula Advanced full synthetic engine oil designed for modern engines, ensuring optimal operation at high temperatures while protecting from deposit and wear and preventing rapid oil deterioration. Targeted at passenger car owners.
• Gulf Ultrasynth Full synthetic engine oil with wear-guard agents that protect engine components from wear, delivering harmonized performance and smooth driving experience for unpredictable road conditions. Targeted at passenger car owners.
• Gulf Max High quality engine oil featuring Engine Clean Technology that helps prevent buildup of harmful engine deposits for cleaner engine performance. Targeted at passenger car owners.
• Gulf Multi Multi-grade engine oil formulated for hatchbacks with better resistance to oxidation and nitration, suitable for hot-running engines in Indian weather conditions.
• Gulf Super Diesel X-10
• Gulf Multi CNG
• Gulf Multi G+
• Gulf Max TD
• Gulf Multi Fleet
• Gulf Formula Elite
• Gulf Syntrac
• Gulf Pride 4T
• Gulf Kool Guard G48 Premium antifreeze coolant blended from organic and inorganic corrosion inhibitors, protecting cooling systems from corrosion and overheating for passenger cars and SUVs.
• Gulf Kool Guard
• Gulf Eurocool Dura Max 40
• Gulf Formula Hybrid
• Gulf eLEC Coolant
• Gulf eLEC Driveline Fluid
• Gulf eLEC Brake Fluid
• AGP Gear Oil
• GulfSea Cylcare XP 5040X
• Tractor & Farm Equipment Lubricants
• Industrial Lubricants
• Commercial Vehicle Lubricants
• Bike Stop Car Stop Service Centers
• Motorcycle & Scooter Lubricants

Quantifiable outcome

• 10,000 km drain interval approved by Mahindra & Mahindra for Gulf Super Diesel X-10
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered flagship and core.

• Atlassian Williams F1 TeamflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023Gulf is a proud partner of the iconic Atlassian Williams F1 Team for the 2023 Formula 1 season and beyond. The two brands share decades of motorsport knowledge and experience with Williams being one of the most successful F1 teams and Gulf having over 85 years of heritage in motorsport.
• Trackhouse Racing (MotoGP)flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerGulf partners with Trackhouse Racing as they take on the world of MotoGP. Built on ambition and innovation, Trackhouse is redefining modern racing with a fresh, fearless approach. Gulf's passion for performance makes this partnership a perfect match driving forward together at the highest level of motorcycle racing.
• McLaren AutomotiveflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerGulf and McLaren share a desire for excellence while striving to be the best. In January 2021, a new dawn in collaboration was established with McLaren Automotive as Gulf Formula Elite became the first-fill lubricant for all McLaren supercars and hypercars. Partnership history dates back to 1968.
• EverraticoreTechnology or IntegrationEverrati is redefining the future of sports cars by renovating classic cars into electric vehicles. With their help, Gulf is testing and expanding its EV fluids to specifically meet the unique needs of electric vehicles. Everrati Porsche 911 (964) Gulf Edition is available as an electric sports car with iconic Gulf livery.
• Chennai Super KingsflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerThe Gulf partnership with the Chennai Super Kings spans over a decade and they take pride in backing them all the way to victory. Gulf is the official lubricants partner of the cricket team known for consistency and passion.
• MS DhoniflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerGulf Oil India's association with Mahendra Singh Dhoni, known as 'Captain Gulf', began in 2011 and has been growing from strength to strength. The partnership drives brand visibility through cricket endorsements.
• Hardik PandyacoreGTM or Marketing PartnerGulf's partnership with Hardik Pandya over the few years has been of immense pride, providing brand ambassador services for marketing and brand promotion.
• Smriti MandhanacoreGTM or Marketing PartnerGulf and Smriti Mandhana, Vice Captain of the Indian Cricket team, are set to make significant strides together on and off the field through brand ambassador partnership.
• ROFGO CollectioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe ROFGO collection, curated by racer Roald Goethe with world renowned car dealer the late Adrian Hamilton, is one of the world's finest car collections with an historic lineup of race cars including a bespoke Gulf-themed collection that has become a favourite of motorsport fans globally.
• TAG HeuercoreGTM or Marketing PartnerTimelessness, precision, and excellence are values shared by Gulf and TAG Heuer. The partnership brings together two legendary brands whose products are cherished by the most discerning customers.
• AltigreenflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerGulf Oil Lubricants India announced an exclusive partnership with Altigreen for supply of EV Fluids like brake and gear oils. Gulf will manufacture customized EV fluids for Altigreen's three-wheeler electric cargo vehicles. Altigreen is backed by Sixth Sense, Xponentia, and Reliance New Energy and is a leading manufacturer of electric three-wheelers.
• OEM Partnerships (Ashok Leyland, Mahindra, Swaraj, Bharat Benz, Bajaj, Force Motors, Piaggio, Tata Motors, Kia, Sonalika, Ford, Vespa)flagshipChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorGulf has collaborated with many top OEMs and B2B businesses as preferred lubricant supplier. Products are approved and recommended by vehicle manufacturers with specified drain intervals.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• ExxonMobil Lubricants India (Mobil): Mobil-branded lubricants serve Indian automotive and industrial customers with comparable premium engine oils and industrial fluid portfolios; competes in premium passenger car and heavy-duty commercial vehicle segments.
• FUCHS Lubricants India: FUCHS India is a subsidiary of the German FUCHS Group; markets industrial and automotive lubricants through direct industrial sales and aftermarket channels comparable to Gulf's industrial business.
• Indian Oil Corporation (Servo Lubricants): Indian Oil's Servo brand is a leading domestic lubricants player with extensive automotive and industrial coverage; competes with Gulf in retail, OEM, and industrial segments with PSU-backed distribution.
• Bharat Petroleum (MAK Lubricants): MAK lubricants is BPCL's lubricants brand covering automotive, industrial, and marine applications; a relevant PSU-backed competitor with overlapping product portfolio and customer base.
• Valvoline Cummins India: Valvoline Cummins India is a listed domestic lubricant player focused on automotive and industrial lubricants; a comparable mid-sized direct peer competing in passenger car and commercial vehicle segments.
• Castrol India (BP): Castrol India is a publicly listed direct competitor in the Indian lubricants market with a comparable automotive and industrial engine oil portfolio, OEM partnerships, and B2C retail distribution. Closest pure-play domestic peer.
• Shell India Lubricants (Shell): Shell India markets Shell Helix, Rimula, and other passenger car and commercial vehicle lubricants with strong OEM endorsements and a pan-India retail footprint; competes head-to-head with Gulf across automotive engine oils.
• Tide Water Oil (Veedol): Tide Water Oil markets the Veedol brand of automotive and industrial lubricants in India; a listed domestic peer with overlapping motorcycle, passenger car, and industrial product lines.
• TotalEnergies Marketing India: TotalEnergies sells automotive, industrial, and specialty lubricants in India with similar OEM and aftermarket channels; a global major with comparable portfolio breadth.

Broad incumbents

• Gulf Marine (Gulf Oil International): Gulf Marine is the global marine lubricants arm of Gulf Oil International, delivering to 1,000+ ports across six continents; comparable marine cylinder oils and EAL portfolios (e.g., GulfSea Cylcare) are also sold by GOLIL's marine product line.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

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Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Gulf Oil India