The Dutch-based oil giant retains its position at the top for the 10th consecutive year.
According to analyst Kline and Co's Global Lubricants Industry: Market Analysis and Assessment 2016 report, Shell has stayed ahead of the competition for a decade, with sales of between 4,400 and 4,600kt of finished lubricants.
Sales were split between the consumer automotive (36% industrial (34%) and commercial automotive (30%) sectors with lubes leadership in the Philippines and Malaysia at around 30% of their respective markets, as well as the UK at 18% and the US (12%).
As an international oil company, the report showed Shell ahead in South Africa (20%) and China (8%) amongst others. It also lead many of the Asian and North American markets in industrial lubricants sectors such as mining and manufacturing machinery.
According to George Morvey, Industry Manager, Energy at Kline: “Global lubricants reached 38.8 million tonnes in 2015, down from 39.4 million tonnes in 2014. Outside of India, the other BRICs did not grow, which contributed to the global decline."
He continued: "Despite a generally flat market and growing competition from national oil companies, independents, and OEM genuine products, Shell has managed to defend its positions in all three market segments and retain its leading market share.”
Will Shell manage to retain its position in 2016? The Kline Report will be released in Q-3 2017.