Top 10 Companies in the Group II Base Oil Market (2026): Market Leaders Powering Global Lubricant Innovation

Group II Base Oil Market – View in Detailed Research Report

Product Definition

Group II base oils are refined from crude through hydrocracking and hydroisomerisation, achieving a viscosity‑index that typically ranges between 95 and 115. This grade delivers a balance of low‑viscosity performance and oxidative stability, making it suitable for modern engines that demand high fuel efficiency and extended service intervals. Compared to Group I, Group II oils contain lower sulfur and aromatics, which aligns with tightening emissions legislation and reduces the need for aggressive additive packages.

Top 10 Companies in the Group II Base Oil Market (2026)

1. ExxonMobil

Headquarters: Irving, Texas, USA
Key Offering: Group II base oil for automotive and industrial lubricants

ExxonMobil’s integrated refining network supports large‑scale hydrocracking units that produce high‑grade Group II oils with consistent sulfur reduction. The company’s focus on process optimisation allows it to deliver oils that meet the evolving viscosity‑index requirements of OEMs while maintaining cost efficiency.

Sustainability & Growth Initiatives:

• Investments in low‑sulfur hydrocracking units to meet global emissions targets
• Partnerships with automotive suppliers to co‑develop low‑viscosity blends
• Commitment to carbon‑neutral operations by 2050 through renewable energy integration

2. Shell

Headquarters: The Hague, Netherlands
Key Offering: Group II base oil for powertrain and gear applications

Shell’s global refining footprint, including the Singapore refinery, positions it to supply high‑purity Group II oils to Asian OEMs. The firm is actively upgrading its units to enhance viscosity‑index performance while reducing residual aromatics.

Sustainability & Growth Initiatives:

• Deployment of advanced solvent extraction to lower sulfur content
• Strategic joint ventures with regional petrochemicals to secure feedstock supply
• Targeted investment in bio‑based additive research to complement Group II base oils

3. Chevron

Headquarters: San Ramon, California, USA
Key Offering: Group II base oil for high‑performance automotive lubricants

Chevron’s deep‑conversion units deliver oils with high viscosity‑index and low sulfur, enabling the company to meet the stringent specifications of premium vehicle manufacturers.

Sustainability & Growth Initiatives:

• Expansion of hydrocracking capacity in the Gulf region to capture emerging demand
• Collaboration with OEMs on additive development for extended service life
• Investment in carbon capture projects to offset refinery emissions

4. BP

Headquarters: London, United Kingdom
Key Offering: Group II base oil for industrial gear and compressor applications

BP’s refining network prioritises high‑purity outputs, allowing the firm to supply oils that comply with the latest sulfur and aromatic limits imposed by European regulations.

Sustainability & Growth Initiatives:

• Upgrading of existing units to achieve lower sulfur and higher viscosity‑index
• Strategic alliances with lubricant manufacturers to co‑create low‑additive formulations
• Commitment to renewable energy sourcing for refinery operations

5. TotalEnergies

Headquarters: Paris, France
Key Offering: Group II base oil for automotive and industrial sectors

TotalEnergies leverages its hydrocracking expertise to deliver oils that meet the high viscosity‑index demands of modern engines while maintaining a competitive price point.

Sustainability & Growth Initiatives:

• Investment in green refinery projects to reduce carbon intensity
• Partnerships with OEMs to develop low‑additive, high‑performance blends
• Expansion of low‑sulfur production capacity in response to EU regulations

6. Sinopec

Headquarters: Beijing, China
Key Offering: Group II base oil for automotive and industrial lubricants

Sinopec’s state‑backed complexes provide the scale needed to meet the surging demand in China’s automotive market, with a focus on low‑sulfur, high‑viscosity‑index grades.

Sustainability & Growth Initiatives:

• Accelerated capacity additions in hydrocracking units to support domestic OEMs
• Collaboration with local governments to align with environmental targets
• Investment in advanced catalytic processes to reduce aromatic content

7. PetroChina

Headquarters: Beijing, China
Key Offering: Group II base oil for powertrain and gear applications

PetroChina’s refining network focuses on high‑purity outputs, enabling it to supply oils that satisfy the stringent sulfur limits set by Chinese regulators.

Sustainability & Growth Initiatives:

• Expansion of hydrocracking capacity to support emerging vehicle segments
• Partnerships with OEMs to co‑develop low‑additive formulations
• Commitment to reducing refinery carbon intensity through renewable energy projects

8. SK Lubricants

Headquarters: Seoul, South Korea
Key Offering: High‑viscosity‑index Group II base oil for automotive and industrial use

SK Lubricants specialises in tailored blends that meet the high‑performance demands of Korean OEMs, leveraging proprietary catalyst technologies.

Sustainability & Growth Initiatives:

• Investment in catalyst development to lower sulfur and aromatics
• Strategic collaborations with automotive suppliers to create low‑additive blends
• Focus on green production processes to reduce energy consumption

9. Reliance Industries

Headquarters: Mumbai, India
Key Offering: Group II base oil for automotive and industrial sectors

Reliance’s refining portfolio supports high‑quality Group II oils, positioning the firm to meet the rising demand in India’s automotive market.

Sustainability & Growth Initiatives:

• Expansion of hydrocracking units to enhance viscosity‑index performance
• Partnerships with OEMs to develop low‑sulfur, high‑performance blends
• Investment in renewable energy to power refinery operations

10. Idemitsu Kosan

Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Key Offering: Group II base oil for automotive and industrial lubricants

Idemitsu Kosan’s focus on high‑quality base oils aligns with Japan’s stringent emissions standards, enabling the company to supply oils that meet the latest specifications.

Sustainability & Growth Initiatives:

• Investment in low‑sulfur hydrocracking technology
• Collaboration with OEMs to create low‑additive, high‑performance blends
• Commitment to reducing refinery emissions through carbon capture

Download FREE Sample Report: Group II Base Oil Market – Detailed Research Report

Get Full Report: Group II Base Oil Market – Comprehensive Analysis

Future Trends Shaping the Group II Base Oil Market

1. Shift Toward Higher‑Performance Blends

Automotive OEMs are tightening durability and fuel‑efficiency specifications, prompting lubricant formulators to adopt Group II oils with viscosity‑index values above 150. The resulting reduction in viscosity‑modifying additives shortens refinery batch cycles and cuts overall formulation costs.

2. Regulatory Pressure on Sulphur and SAPS Content

Stricter sulfur limits in the U.S., EU, and China are driving a shift from high‑SAPS Group III stocks to cleaner Group II hydrocracked oils. Additive manufacturers are redirecting R&D toward low‑SAPS dispersants and detergents, creating a new competitive landscape for additive suppliers.

3. Bio‑Based Additive Integration

Early trials in Southeast Asia demonstrate that palm‑oil‑derived viscosity modifiers can reduce the carbon footprint of Group II base oils by up to 10 % without compromising thermal stability. The adoption of such bio‑based additives is expected to accelerate as sustainability becomes a core differentiator for OEMs.

4. Regional Demand Hotspots and Infrastructure Expansion

Asia‑Pacific remains the dominant region for Group II consumption, driven by rapid industrialisation and a strong push for refined feedstocks. In the Gulf, integrated petrochemical parks are creating a self‑sufficient loop that favours high‑purity base oils, while European refineries are investing in carbon‑capture and catalytic upgrading to meet tightening emission standards.