With over three decades in global lubricants, base oils and additives, Bhupinder Singh shares his lessons on building brands, advancing sustainability and why India’s next phase of growth must focus on quality, talent, and collaboration.
With a career spanning more than thirty years across Castrol (BP), BAPCO, Duckhams Oils, and BluechemGROUP Germany, Bhupinder Singh has been at the forefront of international lubricant expansion, OEM partnerships and new blending ventures across the Middle East, Africa and Asia. As Global Director – Lubricants & Base Oils Business Development at BluechemGROUP, Germany and head of Venol International FZE, he brings a unique perspective on building businesses that combine technology, trust and long-term value.
“Build relationships before business, and excellence will follow naturally.”
You’ve had a remarkable global career. How would you describe your journey so far?
I’ve spent over three decades in the lubricants, base oils, and additives business, holding leadership roles with global energy brands like Castrol (BP), BAPCO and Duckhams Oils. Today, I lead BluechemGROUP’s lubricants and base oils business from Dubai, overseeing development across the Middle East, Africa, CIS and Asia. My focus is on strategic partnerships, licensing programs, OEM collaborations and establishing new blending plants and distribution networks in emerging markets.
What inspired you to work in this sector?
Lubricants are truly the lifeblood of every machine—from mobility to manufacturing. My background in chemistry and fascination with how performance and protection are engineered drew me in. What keeps me inspired is that this industry sits at the intersection of technology, sustainability, and human connection—and there’s always something new to learn.
What milestone stands out most in your career?
Building a lubricant brand from scratch – right from formulation and packaging design to market launch and distribution has been deeply fulfilling. Expanding that network across 12 countries in the Middle East and Africa, and successfully relaunching Duckhams in these regions, were major milestones. Equally rewarding has been developing BluechemGROUP’s international lubricants business and helping regional partners evolve into strong, independent distributors.
How has the lubricants industry changed in the last decade?
The transformation has been profound. Efficiency, digitalisation and sustainability are now at the core of every conversation. We’ve seen the rise of Group II/III base oils, tighter OEM specifications and growing demand for AI-driven maintenance and condition monitoring. Electric and hybrid drivetrains have redefined lubricant chemistry, while sustainability has shifted from a corporate goal to an operational necessity.
Which technologies will shape the next five years?
We’re entering an exciting phase driven by e-fluids for EVs, bio-based lubricants, nanotechnology-based additives and AI-enabled predictive maintenance. The integration of IoT in machinery will fundamentally change how lubricants are monitored, serviced and optimized enabling real-time performance feedback and more efficient asset management.
What are the most pressing challenges and opportunities for the industry today?
We urgently need consistent quality standards, stronger used-oil recycling and re-refining infrastructure, and better skills in formulation, tribology and automation. Raw material volatility and price pressure remain persistent challenges. But the opportunity lies in innovation and collaboration particularly in industrial automation, renewable energy and precision manufacturing, where lubrication performance directly drives efficiency and uptime.
“Efficiency, digitalisation and sustainability are no longer trends – they’re the foundation of the lubricant industry’s evolution.”
How do you see sustainability and bio-based lubricants evolving in India?
Sustainability will increasingly define formulation strategies—reducing sulphur, phosphorus and ash, while promoting biodegradable base oils and longer drain intervals. Bio-lubricants are already viable in industrial, marine and agricultural use cases, but large-scale adoption will depend on policy support and base stock availability. India is moving rapidly toward ESG-aligned practices and I believe we’ll see mainstream adoption of bio-lubes within the next 5–7 years.
Which sectors show the most growth and what are clients asking you about today?
The automotive sector remains the largest consumer, but we’re seeing stronger growth from industrial, construction, mining and marine applications. With India’s infrastructure and manufacturing boom, metalworking fluids, hydraulic oils and transformer oils are gaining traction.
The ‘Make in India’ initiative and rising automation are also driving demand for cutting fluids, coolants, and specialty lubricants especially for electric, hybrid and precision manufacturing. Clients today are focused on licensing opportunities, automation, base oil sourcing and building OEM-grade portfolios for export. There’s also significant interest in cost optimisation, formulation approvals and expanding access to African and Middle Eastern markets.
What skills and training are most critical for the next generation of professionals?
A strong foundation in tribology, formulation chemistry, and digital literacy is non-negotiable. Future leaders must understand AI, IoT and data analytics for predictive maintenance, along with sustainability and ESG frameworks. Structured certification and hands-on lab training will bridge the gap between global standards and local practice programs by NLGI India, SAE and ICIS are already leading the way.
What’s your advice for lubricant manufacturers expanding in India and how can collaboration accelerate progress?
My advice is simple: focus on localisation with innovation. Build blending capacity, partner with OEMs and align with national sustainability goals. India rewards long-term commitment and technical trust, not short-term pricing. Collaboration between industry, academia and policymakers can fast-track this transformation joint research hubs, formulation testing and green certification programs are the way forward.
Why are platforms like the Lubricant India Expo & Summit important?
Events like this bring OEMs, formulators, additive suppliers and policymakers together to align innovation with policy and business opportunity. They help build partnerships, foster knowledge-sharing and ensure that India’s lubricant ecosystem grows in step with global standards.
“Lubricants may be technical, but success in this business is still about people and partnerships.”
Bhupinder Singh with more than 30 years of leadership experience across Castrol (BP), BAPCO, Duckhams, and BluechemGROUP, he has led international business expansions, OEM collaborations, and blending plant projects across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. A passionate advocate for education and youth empowerment, he also supports community initiatives through the Kalgidhar Trust and Akal Academies in India.
