Top 11 Engine Oil Companies in India - Trusted Engine Oil Brands

Sakshi Jain Verified

Senior Content Strategist   |   Updated 2026-07-06

Reviewed by ViewGates Editorial Team

India runs on engines — two-wheelers, trucks, passenger cars, farm equipment, industrial machinery. Behind all of them is engine oil, doing the quiet but critical job of keeping metal parts from grinding each other down. Companies like Indian Oil Corporation, Castrol India, and Shell India have been supplying the country's automotive and industrial sectors for decades. These companies rank among the top engine oil companies in India. The market today is more competitive and technically advanced than it has ever been, with both domestic giants and global brands actively serving every segment.

Which Are the Most Preferred Engine Oil Companies in India?

The chart below reflects ViewGates proprietary brand popularity ranking methodology, based on a combination of internal analysis, survey insights, consumer preference signals, search trends, digital visibility, publicly accessible industry data, and other comparative indicators. Rankings are independently evaluated and updated by the ViewGates Editorial & Research Team to deliver credible, research-backed insights.

Comparing the Top 11 Engine Oil Companies in India

These ratings reflect ViewGates independent expert evaluation across weighted factors (service quality, support, market presence). They are not user-submitted scores.

Detailed Profile of the Top 11 Engine Oil Companies in India

Here is the full overview of the top engine oil companies in India:

1. Shell

Shell is a global energy and lubricants company engaged in the production, refining, and marketing of fuels and lubricants for automotive, industrial, marine, and aviation applications. Its lubricant segment includes engine oils, transmission fluids, and specialty greases under brands like Shell Helix and Shell Rimula. The company holds a strong global position supported by integrated supply chains and R&D-driven product development. It serves automotive OEMs, transport operators, industrial manufacturers, and energy sector clients across multiple regions with a focus on performance, efficiency, and equipment protection.

2. Castrol

Castrol is a global lubricant brand specializing in engine oils, industrial lubricants, and metalworking fluids for automotive and industrial applications. It operates as a subsidiary of BP and is widely recognized for its automotive lubricant formulations used in passenger cars, motorcycles, and commercial vehicles. The company maintains a strong presence in OEM partnerships and aftermarket distribution networks. Key strengths include extensive brand recognition, technical collaboration with vehicle manufacturers, and a broad product portfolio catering to evolving engine technologies and industrial machinery requirements.

3. ExxonMobil

ExxonMobil is a multinational energy company with a major lubricants division marketed under the Mobil brand, including Mobil 1 and Mobil Delvac. In India, Mobil lubricants are widely distributed for automotive, commercial transport, and industrial applications. The company focuses on high-performance synthetic lubricants designed for engine efficiency, durability, and extended drain intervals. Its market position is supported by strong R&D capabilities and OEM collaborations.

4. Indian Oil Corporation

Indian Oil Corporation is India’s largest state-owned energy company with a significant lubricants division marketed under the SERVO brand. It produces a wide range of automotive and industrial lubricants including engine oils, hydraulic oils, greases, and specialty fluids. SERVO is widely used across transportation, agriculture, power, and industrial sectors in India. The company’s strength lies in its extensive refining infrastructure and nationwide distribution network.

5. TotalEnergies

TotalEnergies is a diversified global energy company with a strong lubricants division producing engine oils, industrial lubricants, and specialty fluids. Its lubricant brands include Total Quartz and ELF, used across automotive, industrial, and marine applications. The company leverages advanced formulation technology to meet modern engine requirements and emissions standards. It serves OEMs, automotive workshops, transport operators, and industrial clients worldwide. Its market position is supported by integrated energy operations and a broad international distribution network spanning multiple continents.

6. Valvoline Cummins

Valvoline Cummins is a joint venture focused on manufacturing and marketing automotive and industrial lubricants in India. The company produces engine oils, gear oils, greases, and specialty fluids under the Valvoline brand. It primarily serves automotive aftermarket customers, commercial vehicle fleets, and industrial users. The company benefits from Valvoline’s global lubricant technology combined with Cummins’ engine and industrial expertise. Its strengths include strong distribution in India and tailored product offerings for diverse vehicle segments and operating conditions.

7. Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited

Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) is a major Indian public sector oil and gas company with a lubricants division branded as HP Lubricants. It manufactures and markets automotive and industrial lubricants including engine oils, greases, and specialty products. HP Lubricants is widely used across transport, agriculture, and industrial sectors in India. The company’s strengths include strong refinery integration, nationwide distribution, and established presence in government and commercial fleets. It serves OEMs, retail consumers, and industrial clients with cost-efficient lubrication solutions.

8. Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (MAK Lubricants)

Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited is an Indian state-owned energy company with a lubricants division under the MAK brand. It produces engine oils, hydraulic oils, greases, and industrial lubricants for automotive and industrial use. MAK Lubricants serves passenger vehicles, commercial transport, agriculture, and manufacturing industries. The company benefits from BPCL’s refining infrastructure and distribution network across India. Its strength lies in wide availability, competitive pricing, and diversified product offerings tailored to Indian operating conditions and equipment requirements.

9. Gulf Oil Lubricants India

Gulf Oil Lubricants India is a leading lubricant manufacturer offering automotive and industrial oils, greases, and specialty fluids. It serves passenger cars, motorcycles, commercial vehicles, and industrial machinery segments. The company is known for its strong presence in the Indian aftermarket and OEM partnerships. It focuses on product innovation, performance lubricants, and distribution strength across urban and rural markets. Its key strengths include brand heritage, diversified product range, and strong dealer network across India and select international markets.

10. Motul (Motul India)

Motul is a French lubricant company specializing in high-performance engine oils and industrial lubricants. It is known for synthetic lubricants used in motorcycles, passenger cars, motorsports, and marine applications. Motul India operates through a strong distribution network catering to performance vehicle users and automotive workshops. The company focuses on advanced formulation technologies and niche high-performance segments. Its strengths include motorsport heritage, premium positioning, and strong recognition among performance vehicle enthusiasts and OEM collaborations.

11. Tide Water Oil (Veedol India)

Tide Water Oil Company is an Indian lubricant manufacturer best known for its VEEDOL brand. It produces automotive and industrial lubricants including engine oils, greases, gear oils, and specialty fluids. The company serves passenger vehicles, commercial transport, agriculture, and industrial sectors. It has a long-standing presence in India’s lubricant market with a focus on aftermarket distribution and OEM partnerships. Its strengths include brand legacy, diversified product portfolio, and established distribution across India and select export markets.

Key Evaluation Factors We Assess

This table shows few factors that are used to review the engine oil companies:

Why Selecting the Right Engine Oil Brand is Crucial for Reliable Engine Operation

Engine oil is like food for heavy machines and vehicle. The choice of engine oil brand directly affects how long and how well an engine will perform. A wrong grade or low-quality product can lead to increased wear, higher fuel consumption and in some cases permanent damage to the engine. A reliable brand is essential because consistency in formulation, availability in various locations and accurate grade recommendations all help to keep vehicles on the road.

How to Select the Right Engine Oil Brand for Your Vehicle

The following are some important considerations when choosing the correct engine oil brand:

• Start with reading the vehicle manual – Ensure that you follow the recommendations given for the engine oil grades.
• Determine the right oil type – Determine whether you need mineral, semi-synthetic or fully synthetic.
• Verify if certified – Choose oil that is certified as per API or ACEA standards.
• Consider the driving condition – Choose oil that is appropriate for city driving, highway driving, or for heavy duty applications.

Engine Oil Trends in India: What You Need to Know

Here are a few major trends observed in Indian engine oil industry:

Material Insights
Modern engine oils are far more sophisticated than they were even a decade ago. Most quality products now use synthetic or semi-synthetic base stocks rather than purely mineral oil, which gives better performance across temperature ranges. Brands like Mobil and Motul have pushed the adoption of full synthetic formulations even in the mass market. Additive packages — covering detergents, antioxidants, and friction modifiers — have also improved significantly, extending drain intervals and protecting newer engine designs.

Demand Patterns

In India, engine oil demand is very closely linked to vehicle sales, fleet operations and service intervals. The two-wheeler segment remains the largest volume driver because of the large number of bikes and scooters on the Indian roads. At the same time, commercial vehicle operators and industrial users are increasingly shifting to premium grades as they realise the long-term cost benefits. Gulf Oil Lubricants and Valvoline Cummins have seen steady growth in the commercial and industrial segments over recent years.

Pricing Trends
Engine oil pricing in India varies widely depending on the base stock type and brand positioning. Basic mineral oils from Servo or HP Lubricants are still affordable and are popular for older vehicles and in price-conscious markets. Synthetic and semi-synthetic versions from Shell, Castrol and TotalEnergies are more expensive but they offer longevity that often makes up for the higher purchase price. For fleet owners, the total cost of ownership – including drain intervals and engine longevity – is more important than the price per litre.

Types of Engine Oil Available
Indian consumers and businesses can choose from mineral, semi-synthetic, and fully synthetic engine oils across a range of viscosity grades. Different engines, climates and usage conditions call for different oils. So, a 15W-40 mineral oil will suit an older diesel engine but a 5W-30 full synthetic will suit a modern petrol car with tighter tolerances. Motul India and Mobil India have extensive product ranges that cover passenger vehicles, motorcycles, heavy duty trucks and industrial equipment.

Sustainability
The engine oil companies in India are gradually moving toward more responsible practices. Re-refined base oils – derived from used engine oil – are emerging as a sustainable substitute for virgin mineral oil. Veedol India and TotalEnergies India are both keen to reduce the environmental impact of their lubricant ranges. Extended drain interval products also help indirectly, as the fewer oil changes, the less used oil to dispose of – a pragmatic sustainability benefit that appeals to both fleet managers and environmentally aware consumers.

Market Overview

India’s lubricants industry is large, fragmented and expanding. Public sector companies command significant volume share on account of their extensive distribution footprint and longevity. At the premium end, global brands like Castrol, Shell, and Mobil have carved out loyal customer bases in passenger cars and high-performance segments. The market is also seeing new competition from smaller regional players, though established brands continue to hold the advantage in trust and availability.

Where to Buy
Indian Engine Oil is easily available through several avenues. Auto Spare Parts stores constitute the most common avenue from which individual consumers purchase. This is particularly true in small towns where there is a decent choice of brands coupled with competitive pricing. In addition, e-commerce websites have made the comparison and purchase of different grades easy as well. Brands such as Gulf Oil and Valvoline feature prominently in these online platforms. Bulk purchase is best achieved through interactions with the company distributors.

How ViewGates evaluates and rates these companies

Our evaluations are conducted independently by the ViewGates Editorial & Research Team. To build a complete picture of each company, our analysts aggregate public sentiment and data from multiple external sources — including community and trade forums, survey data, verified reviews across the web, and direct industry inquiries — and combine this with our internal database and proprietary scoring criteria such as service quality, support, pricing, and overall market presence.

User sentiment is one input among many; final ratings reflect ViewGates' independent expert assessment and are not based on direct user submissions on this platform. We follow a structured, consistent methodology to ensure fair comparisons across companies. Learn more on our Methodology page. To suggest a correction, contact us at support@viewgates.com.