Upstox Exclusive: Gulf Oil Lubricants MD and CEO recalls company's remarkable journey

Gulf Oil Lubricants India’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Ravi Chawla, in an exclusive conversation with Upstox, reflected on the company's rich history that stretches from its establishment in 1901 to takeover by ownership of the Hinduja Group. He also shared insights into the company’s promising future.

Chawla recounted the journey of Gulf Oil, tracing its origins back over 120 years when it was founded in the Gulf of Mexico.

"Gulf Oil has a long history. Over 120 years ago, Gulf Oil started in 1901 in the Gulf of Mexico, and this history dates back to that year when this brand really flourished. It started with a motorcycle oil which was the best in the world- Gulf Pride and Chevron acquired the brand, and after that, it won many races and motorsports in its blue and orange colours which has now become legendary," he said.

‘Gulf Oil with Hinduja Group has taken strides ahead’

In the mid-1980s, the Hinduja Group recognised Gulf Oil's immense potential and acquired it through its subsidiary, Gulf Oil International, he said. Gulf Oil International owns the brand worldwide except in the USA, Spain, and Portugal.

"The Hindujas looked at this brand in the mid-80s and wanted to have a brand that had a global appeal and a global consumer brand, and they acquired it through various initiatives. The brand right for this was acquired by Hinduja Group company called Gulf Oil International, which owns the brand now for the entire world, except USA, Spain and Portugal," Chawla said.

"So really, the brand now with Hinduja Group has taken strides ahead. It is present in more than 100 countries. Not only in automotive lubricants, we are there in marine lubricants and it has grown," he added.

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The Gulf Oil Lubricants India CEO expressed pride in Gulf Oil's position as a leading brand in India, citing its decades-long history.

"We are very proud that in India, this brand is now one of the leading brands, and we can look at the history, which is also decades long. We are the second biggest brand in terms of the industry, in terms of our consumer feedback, our recall and in terms of the private sector, we have the second highest volume in the country today," he said.

Meanwhile, shares of Gulf Oil Lubricants India were trading 1.4% lower at ₹970 on the NSE.