Top 10 Companies in the Group I Base Oil Market (2026): Market Leaders Powering Global Lubricants

Market Insight Overview

Group I base oils form the backbone of the lubricant industry, offering a cost‑effective solution for a wide range of applications. Their widespread availability, coupled with a robust supply chain, keeps them in high demand across automotive, industrial, and marine sectors.

Group I Base Oil Market – View in Detailed Research Report

Market Size Snapshot

The market stood at USD 13.2 bn in 2025, with a projected rise to USD 18.4 bn by 2034, reflecting a steady demand trajectory driven by automotive and industrial growth.

Product Definition

Group I base oil is a mineral oil derived from crude oil through solvent extraction and basic refining. It features a low viscosity index and higher sulfur content, which can limit oxidative stability but make it attractive for cost‑sensitive formulations.

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

1️⃣ ExxonMobil

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

ExxonMobil’s global refinery network allows it to source low‑cost crude and maintain high run‑rates on hydro‑crackers, ensuring a stable supply of Group I base oil that meets stringent viscosity specifications required by automotive OEMs.

Sustainability & Growth Initiatives:

• Investing in advanced hydro‑processing to reduce sulfur content.
• Expanding downstream distribution in emerging markets.
• Partnering with OEMs on additive‑enhanced blends for extended service life.

2️⃣ Shell

Headquarters: The Netherlands/United Kingdom
Key Offering: Group I base oil for automotive and heavy‑duty applications

Shell’s integrated operations combine upstream refining with downstream blending, allowing it to deliver consistent quality while capitalising on its global logistics network to serve automotive fleets worldwide.

Sustainability & Growth Initiatives:

• Upgrading refining units to meet lower sulfur thresholds.
• Deploying digital supply‑chain tools to optimise inventory turnover.
• Investing in research on bio‑based additive blends.

3️⃣ Chevron

Headquarters: Irving, Texas, USA
Key Offering: Group I base oil for industrial greases and marine engines

Chevron’s disciplined capital programs maintain capacity margins even amid volatile feedstock spreads, positioning it as a reliable supplier for cost‑sensitive industrial segments.

Sustainability & Growth Initiatives:

• Investing in low‑sulfur hydro‑cracking technology.
• Expanding marine lubricant portfolio in Asia‑Pacific.
• Collaborating with OEMs on additive‑optimized blends.

4️⃣ Sinopec

Headquarters: Shanghai, China
Key Offering: Group I base oil for automotive and industrial markets

Recent upgrades in Shanghai have increased Sinopec’s Group I production capacity, allowing it to capture domestic demand and export opportunities across Southeast Asia.

Sustainability & Growth Initiatives:

• Implementing advanced hydro‑desulfurisation units.
• Developing additive‑enhanced blends for high‑temperature applications.
• Partnering with regional OEMs to tailor formulations.

5️⃣ PetroChina

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

PetroChina’s strategic spin‑off of its base‑oil unit has sharpened its focus on refining and blending, strengthening its position in the domestic market.

Sustainability & Growth Initiatives:

• Upgrading refining processes to reduce sulfur levels.
• Expanding downstream blending capacity.
• Collaborating with automotive OEMs on performance‑enhanced blends.

6️⃣ Reliance Industries

Headquarters: Mumbai, India
Key Offering: Group I base oil for automotive and industrial applications

Reliance’s investment in advanced hydro‑desulfurisation units positions it to meet stricter environmental standards while keeping costs competitive in the Indian market.

Sustainability & Growth Initiatives:

• Deploying low‑sulfur refining technology.
• Expanding downstream blending to serve the growing automotive fleet.
• Partnering with local OEMs on additive‑enhanced formulations.

7️⃣ Indian Oil Corporation

Headquarters: New Delhi, India
Key Offering: Group I base oil for industrial and automotive lubricants

Indian Oil’s extensive refinery network and focus on low‑cost production make it a key player in supplying cost‑effective Group I base oil across the country.

Sustainability & Growth Initiatives:

• Investing in hydro‑cracking units to lower sulfur content.
• Expanding downstream blending capacity.
• Collaborating with OEMs on tailored additive blends.

8️⃣ ENEOS

Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Key Offering: Group I base oil for industrial greases and marine engines

ENEOS focuses on niche applications, targeting high‑temperature industrial lubricants where performance can command a premium.

Sustainability & Growth Initiatives:

• Developing low‑sulfur, high‑viscosity blends.
• Expanding downstream blending capacity.
• Collaborating with OEMs on performance‑enhanced formulations.

9️⃣ PTT

Headquarters: Bangkok, Thailand
Key Offering: Group I base oil for industrial and marine applications

PTT’s focus on specialty greases and high‑temperature lubricants positions it to capture premium segments within the Group I market.

Sustainability & Growth Initiatives:

• Investing in low‑sulfur refining technology.
• Expanding downstream blending for specialty applications.
• Partnering with OEMs on additive‑enhanced blends.

🔟 Lukoil

Headquarters: Moscow, Russia
Key Offering: Group I base oil for automotive and industrial lubricants

Lukoil’s extensive refinery network and focus on cost‑effective production make it a key supplier in Russia and the CIS region.

Sustainability & Growth Initiatives:

• Upgrading refining units to lower sulfur content.
• Expanding downstream blending capacity.
• Collaborating with OEMs on additive‑enhanced formulations.

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Strategic Outlook

While Group I base oil will continue to serve as a cost‑effective foundation for lubricant formulations, ongoing refinements in processing technology and the emergence of specialty blends will shape its long‑term trajectory. Companies that invest in low‑sulfur treatments and additive integration will be better positioned to meet evolving regulatory and performance demands.

Future Trends

Key future developments include the adoption of renewable feedstock blends, tighter sulfur and nitrogen regulations, and a shift towards digital supply‑chain management. These trends will drive a gradual transition towards higher‑performance grades while maintaining cost competitiveness for Group I base oil.