Shell is top global lubricant supplier again

Shell Lubricants has topped the list of the world’s leading lubricants suppliers globally for the fifth year running, according to research conducted by U.S.-based Kline & Company. Kline said Shell garnered more than 13% of the global lubricant market by volume in 2010, a 2% 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. Mark Gainsborough, Shell’s head of lubricants, said Shell’s distinctive approach to selling lubricants through distributors was paying dividends. “In 2010, we more than doubled average distributor volumes compared to 2009,” he said. Global demand for lubricants as a whole grew by around 6% over 2009, indicating a slight recovery from recession. According to Kline, the Asia-Pacific region continued to show the most robust volume growth in 2010, benefiting from the shift in automotive production. Shell achieved strong volume growth in China, maintaining its lead as the top international supplier there. (November 2, 2011)