PETRONAS Lubricants Technical Head – shares how performance, sustainability and digitalisation are redefining lubrication for the next decade.
With nearly two decades in the lubricants sector, Vaibhav Verma has worked with global majors including ExxonMobil, Shell and PETRONAS. Currently leading Technical Service at PETRONAS Lubricants, he bridges R&D, field support and customer solutions driving new product development and performance excellence. In this conversation, he discusses industry transformation, emerging technologies and the skills that will define the next generation of lubricant professionals.
“Lubricants sit at the intersection of science, engineering and performance — and that blend of technology and impact continues to fascinate me.”
Tell us about your journey and current role in the lubricants industry?
I have over 19 years of experience in industry, with the past 16 yrs focused specifically on lubrication science and technical support. At PETRONAS Lubricants, I lead the technical service function, supporting partners and customers with advanced solutions and new product development. Earlier, I worked with ExxonMobil and Shell in technical and sales roles that gave me a 360-degree view of how customer needs and market strategy intersect.
What inspired you to pursue this field?
Lubricants combine science and real-world impact. Every formulation has a purpose – enhancing mobility, efficiency or sustainability. The chance to solve OEM and customer challenges and see performance translate into results is deeply motivating. It’s a sector where you learn something new every day.
Which career milestones make you most proud?
Securing multiple OEM approvals that strengthened product credibility and reach has been a key highlight. Equally rewarding were leading initiatives that reduced cost-to-serve while maintaining performance excellence proving that innovation and efficiency can coexist.
How has the lubricants industry changed in the last decade?
The sector has moved from a product-centric to solution-centric approach. There’s greater focus on ultra-low viscosity oils for energy efficiency, sustainability through re-refined base oils (RRBO) and digital engagement with customers. OEM collaborations are more strategic than ever and data-driven maintenance is reshaping how lubricants deliver value.
Which technologies will shape the next five years of lubrication?
Electrification and hybrid powertrains will create new fluid requirements. We’ll see advances in EV fluids, low-viscosity formulations and smart lubricants with sensor-based condition monitoring. AI-driven predictive maintenance will help customers shift from reactive to proactive asset management.
How is sustainability influencing formulation and use in India?
Sustainability is now central to every discussion from renewable base oils and biodegradable packages to circular packaging and EV integration. India is seeing wider adoption of energy-efficient lubricants, longer drain intervals and RRBO usage aligned with EPR guidelines. Quality of feedstock remains a challenge, but momentum is strong and the direction is clear.
What sectors and applications show the strongest growth?
While automotive remains core, the fastest growth is coming from industrial, construction and mining segments. With India’s infrastructure and manufacturing boom, demand for metalworking fluids, hydraulic oils and specialty lubricants is rising steadily. Customers increasingly seek cleaner, longer-life fluids that improve safety and efficiency in automated plants.
What are the key challenges the industry must address?
Balancing sustainability with cost pressures, aligning supply chains with new regulations and bridging the skill gap in formulation and digital competence are critical. We need more formulation flexibility and greater reliance on analytical data to respond agilely to market and environmental changes.
What skills will be most critical for future professionals?
Tomorrow’s lubricant specialists must blend technical depth with digital fluency. Understanding tribology and chemistry is just the start data analytics, AI and condition monitoring will define the next skill curve. Equally important are soft skills – customer orientation and cross-functional collaboration to turn technical insights into practical solutions.
How important is training and certification in maintaining competitiveness?
Extremely important. Structured training builds confidence and consistency, bridging the gap between global standards and local practice. As technologies evolve, continuous learning will be the cornerstone of India’s competitiveness in the global lubricant market.
“The industry has evolved from selling products to delivering solutions and data-driven innovation is now the lubricant of progress”
Why are platforms like the Lubricant India Expo & Summit important?
These platforms enable knowledge sharing and collaboration across the value chain from formulators to OEMs. They foster networking, technology transfer and policy dialogue that push the industry toward a smarter and more sustainable future.
What motivates you outside of work?
Continuous self-improvement whether through reading, fitness or playing the guitar that keeps me balanced and creative. It helps me return to work with clarity and renewed focus.
“Excellence is not a skill — it’s an attitude.”
Vaibhav Verma is Head – Technical Service at PETRONAS Lubricants, leading technical support functions across India. With 19 years of experience at PETRONAS, ExxonMobil and Shell, he specializes in formulation science, sustainability strategy and customer-centric innovation. He is passionate about mentoring young engineers and advancing India’s technical capability in smart lubrication.