BPCL to enter lube market in Sri Lanka

Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd. (BPCL) is set to enter the Sri Lankan market. The PSU will soon launch its Mak brand of lubricants in the country. The company, which is awaiting final approval from the Sri Lankan government, is likely to sign a license agreement shortly. BPCL is likely to export its lubricants to Sri Lanka from its plant at Taloja near Mumbai. This will be the companys first overseas foray in the fuel and lubricants retailing business. Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), which sells its Servo brand of lubricants in Sri Lanka, has a 24% share of the market, while Caltex Lanka Lubricants is the leader, with a 70% market share. Sources said BPCL planned to market its lubricants through Ceylon Petroleum Company’s (CPC) outlets. BPCL had in 2003 made an attempt to follow Indian Oil into Sri Lanka by buying about 100 CPC retail outlets. (April 4, 2007)