The Indian operations of Shell Plc are adapting to the changing energy market by changing course. As India shifts to cleaner options, the oil and gas behemoth is implementing a multi-pronged plan to counteract the possible fall in demand for conventional fuels.
According to the company’s senior executive, electric transportation is still a major focus. According to the company’s top leadership, the lubricant division is developing battery thermal management fluid lubricants specifically designed for electric vehicles in India, while the mobility division is working on building out a dense grid of more than 10,000 charging stations throughout the nation by the end of the decade.
“Developing next-generation engine oil formulations for fuel efficiency and emission reduction to meet evolving regulations is one of the key R&D initiatives. We are developing battery thermal management fluid lubricants specifically designed for electric vehicles in India,” said Shell Lubricant Chief Technology Officer Praveen Nagpal in an interview with Autocar Professional.
Shell India’s leadership highlights the company’s capacity to capitalise on its current technological know-how while looking beyond India’s boundaries. Their well-established enterprises in Brazil and Indonesia allow them to easily import “flex” or biofuel technology. Because of their flexibility, they can provide several fuel options as market conditions warrant.
Nagpal made his remarks on Friday while Shell Lubricants India unveiled their updated line of Shell Advance motorbike lubricants. The company continued their collaboration on the Rukna Mushkil Hai brand campaign by launching the enhanced portfolio in limited-edition packaging with brand ambassador Shahid Kapoor. With its cutting-edge flexi-molecule technology, the new Shell Advance AX7 Synthetic Technology oil ensures the best possible power transfer from the engine to the wheels while providing customers with an even smoother ride.
An additional cornerstone of their approach is LNG or liquefied natural gas. In Hazira, Surat, the business also fully owns and runs an LNG re-gasification terminal. Moreover, Shell India has set up an LNG truck-loading facility to provide natural gas to clients all over the nation.
The company’s internal research, which indicates that Shell India’s lubricant industry, which is third in the world in terms of volumes behind the US and China, is predicted to develop at a CAGR of 3-4% annually, should be considered in light of the company’s unique efforts. India used 3.2 billion litres of lubricant last year. The Chief Marketing Officer of Shell Lubricants India, Amit Ghugre, stated that “growth will vary across sectors depending on inherent demand and dynamics”.
With more than 13,000 workers and a presence in upstream, integrated gas, downstream, and renewable energy, Shell India has extensive skills in business operations, digitization, and research & development.
Shell India’s multi-pronged approach acknowledges the inevitable shift towards cleaner energy sources. By offering a mix of charging infrastructure, LNG solutions, potentially adaptable fuel technologies, and EV-specific lubricants, they aim to secure a foothold in the new energy paradigm.
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