Chevron Pakistan Lubricants was Pakistan’s largest base oils importer in 2025 for the first time in at least six years even as its share of total inflows fell amid intensifying competition and rising lubricants demand.

Pakistan’s total base oils imports rose to more than 290,000 tonnes in 2025, up 6% year on year to the highest level in at least six years, customs data showed.

Rising domestic lubricants consumption increased demand for base oils imports, intensifying competition among local blenders seeking feedstock supplies and overseas refiners aiming to capture a larger share of those requirements.

Key Highlights

·         Chevron Pakistan was the country’s largest importer, even as its market share of 26% fell from more than 30% in 2024.

·         Shell Pakistan dropped to second place for the first time in at least six years, with its share slipping below 25%, and falling under 30% for the first time since 2021.

·         Parco Gunvor, formerly Total Parco Pakistan, retained its position as the third-largest importer for a third straight year.

·         The top three importers accounted for around 65% of total inflows, down from more than 84% in 2024 and the lowest share in at least six years.

·         Pakistan State Oil was the fourth-largest importer, with its share exceeding 9%, up from less than 5% during the previous five years.

·         Other top-ten importers also increased their market share, signalling broader competition across the sector.  

Market Repercussions

The leadership reshuffle and declining dominance of the top three importers reflected marked structural shifts in 2025, driven by stronger domestic demand and expectations of rising overseas base oils supply.

Changing supply-demand fundamentals incentivized domestic blenders to expand sales volumes, while rising overseas supply provided greater flexibility to cover feedstock requirements and support the growing demand.