Gulf Oil Lubricants India Ltd (GOLIL) is marking 125 years of the global Gulf brand with an ambitious growth and transformation strategy. Building on its legacy of trust and innovation, the company plans to strengthen its core lubricants business while expanding into future-ready mobility solutions, advanced fluid engineering and electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure. Backed by the Hinduja Group’s long-term commitment to India, Gulf Oil is investing ahead of market demand. The company aims to increase its manufacturing capacity by 70% to 240 million litres by March 2027. At the same time, it is strengthening its capabilities in EV charging hardware, software and connectivity to address emerging mobility requirements.
Gulf Oil Marks 125 Years with ‘Born to be Behad’ Campaign
To commemorate the milestone, Gulf Oil launched its anniversary film, Born to be Behad, featuring brand ambassador MS Dhoni. The campaign reflects the brand’s ambition to push boundaries and embrace new opportunities. The celebrations began with a special event in Mumbai, attended by the company’s key customers, distributors and business partners who have contributed to its growth in India. The occasion was marked by the presence of Sanjay Hinduja, Chairman, Gulf Oil International, along with brand ambassadors MS Dhoni and Smriti Mandhana.
Expanding Manufacturing Capacity and Future-Ready Businesses
Founded in 1901, Gulf is a globally recognised brand with a presence in more than 100 countries. In India, Gulf Oil Lubricants has grown at two to three times the market rate over the past 15 years, establishing itself as the country’s second-largest private-sector lubricants brand. As part of its next growth phase, the company is expanding beyond traditional lubricants into mobility and industrial solutions. Its strategic priorities include increasing manufacturing capacity, developing sustainable oils, exploring data-centre cooling solutions and investing in EV charging technologies. Furthermore, Gulf Oil’s partnerships with more than 50 original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), supported by its global research and development (R&D) hub in Chennai, strengthen its ability to develop innovative solutions for India’s evolving industrial and mobility sectors.
Leadership Outlines Gulf’s Next Growth Phase
Sanjay Hinduja, Chairman, Gulf Oil International, said, “Gulf’s 125-year legacy is a story of evolution, built on the strength of its values and the trust it has earned across generations. Across the more than 100 countries we operate in, India has been one of our fastest growing and most consistent markets for over 15 years. It holds significant opportunity to accelerate growth, by strengthening our leadership in lubricants while building new avenues in value-added services, e-mobility and other allied areas on the strategic fit. We intend to lead this journey with superior and cleaner technologies, bold innovation and a workforce built for tomorrow. India’s growth story will be an important part of Gulf’s next phase.”
Ravi Chawla, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Gulf Oil Lubricants India Ltd, said, “Our 125th anniversary is a testament to our commitment, bold decisions, relentless innovation and enduring partnerships. As we celebrate this milestone, we are also defining where we want to go next. While looking ahead to an evolving future, these partnerships will matter more than ever. ‘Born to be Behad’ reflects who we have always been, a brand that goes beyond the limits set for it. Going forward, our brand platform, ‘Kuch Behad Kar’, will carry that spirit into everything we do.”
Generation Behad: Empowering 125,000 Women in Mobility
Alongside its business expansion plans, Gulf Oil has announced Generation Behad, an initiative aimed at empowering 125,000 women in the mobility sector. The programme will focus on improving women’s access to knowledge, training and career opportunities in mobility. It will encourage greater participation in traditionally under-represented roles, including professional driving and vehicle mechanics. Brand ambassador Smriti Mandhana launched the initiative during the anniversary celebrations.
Aarthy Sridhar, Chief Marketing Officer, Gulf Oil Lubricants India Ltd, said, “Smriti has shown what happens when the field opens for women in cricket, the talent was always there; it just needed the space. Now it is time for mobility, where women continue to be under-represented. With Generation Behad, we want to create that space, helping women train for and step into roles from behind the wheel to under the bonnet.”
Building a Sustainable and Inclusive Future
As Gulf celebrates its 125-year legacy, the company is focusing on strengthening its core lubricants business, adapting to changing mobility requirements and deepening customer relationships. As per the press release, through investments in advanced technologies, sustainable solutions, digitalisation and inclusive development, Gulf Oil aims to create long-term value and position itself for the next 125 years.
