EnerG Lubricants, an Indian-origin lubricant manufacturer, has crossed a major global milestone. Recently its heavy-duty engine oil – EnerG G Force XL (15W-40) – has received Volvo’s prestigious VDS-3 approval, a certification granted only to lubricants that pass some of the world’s toughest performance tests. The oil delivers longer drain intervals, reduced engine wear, and better fuel efficiency, making it suitable for high-performance commercial vehicles.
This achievement further strengthens EnerG Lubricants’ global credibility. Earlier, the company became the first Indian lubricant maker to secure Mercedes-Benz certifications (MB 229.51 and MB 229.52) for its fully synthetic EnerG G1 Xtreme PLUS 5W-30 engine oil.
Driven by innovation, the lubricant maker recently partnered with Germany’s GAT GmbH to introduce the GAT X EnerG range in India – covering engine flushes, fuel system cleaners, and car-care solutions. This collaboration supports the Make in India vision by bringing advanced, world-class lubricant technology to Indian manufacturing.
Speaking to this publication on Volvo’s approval, Mr. Navkaran Singh Sethi, Founder of the company said the certification involved rigorous lab testing and field trials across varied climates and engine loads. “This validates not only our product performance but also our capability to meet global OEM expectations,” he said.
EnerG Lubricants’ journey shows how homegrown engineering, backed by innovation and collaboration, can compete on the world stage.
Cracking Mercedes-Benz Standards
Earning the Mercedes-Benz MB 229.51 and MB 229.52 certifications was one of EnerG Lubricants’ toughest challenges. These approvals demand a perfect balance of fuel savings, low emissions, and long drain intervals – without harming critical components like catalytic converters and particulate filters.
For EnerG Lubricants, the hardest part was developing a formula that delivered extended oil life while still protecting modern after-treatment systems. The team also had to secure premium base oils and additives that met strict European emission norms, yet keep the product cost-effective. It required months of R&D, supply chain fine-tuning, and repeated testing. The result: a Made-in-India lubricant that meets the same global standards used by Mercedes-Benz dealerships worldwide – proving the company’s technical capability and its readiness to compete with international brands, he pointed out.
Reengineering for the New Powertrain Era
As the auto industry moves towards electric and low-emission vehicles, EnerG Lubricants has reshaped its lubricant portfolio to match the future. The company now focuses on three core areas: advanced thermal management to keep EV batteries and motors cool, low-viscosity oils that reduce drag and improve efficiency, and high-durability formulations that handle high torque and frequent stop-start cycles. Working closely with global additive partners, the company is developing next-generation e-fluids that offer dielectric protection, prevent oxidation, and safeguard electric powertrains–ensuring efficiency without sacrificing reliability.
Driving Sustainability, Meeting Global Standards
Sustainability is now central to every formulation. EnerG Lubricants is reducing VOC emissions through cleaner base oils, developing biodegradable lubricants for sensitive environments, and creating long drain interval products to cut waste and oil consumption. Every product is engineered to meet diverse global requirements–from API and ACEA norms to OEM-specific standards in Asia. The focus is simple: offer eco-friendly, high-performance lubricants that match global regulations without increasing the cost burden for customers, he said.
Navigating Volatility, Building Strength
The global lubricant industry faces constant swings in base oil and additive prices. EnerG Lubricants tackles this challenge through a mix of long-term supplier partnerships, selective backward integration, and flexible formulations that can be adjusted without losing OEM approvals. The company has also created regional blending and storage hubs to avoid supply disruptions, control logistics costs, and ensure consistent quality across markets, he said.
Strong Domestic Base, Expanding Global Presence
Mr. Sethi said, in India, the aftermarket drives nearly 85% of the company’s sales, while OEM business contributes the rest. Though smaller in volume, OEM partnerships are strategically important–they validate the company’s technology and build trust among vehicle manufacturers and fleet customers. With group turnover crossing ₹200 crore, the lubricant maker is steadily expanding into the Middle East, Africa, and Southeast Asia, strengthening its global footprint as part of its long-term growth plan.
Driving the Future
Looking ahead, the lubricant manufacturer has set a clear two-phase journey. In the near term, the company is sharpening its focus on high-performance lubricants, deepening OEM partnerships, and educating customers about the benefits of advanced oils and longer drain intervals.
But the larger ambition reaches far beyond today’s market demands. The company aims to evolve into an innovation-led, sustainability-driven global player–developing next-generation fluids for EVs and hybrids, establishing a regional R&D hub in India or the Middle East, and exploring joint ventures for localised blending in fast-growing markets. The mission is simple yet bold: deliver world-class performance while staying aligned with the future of clean and intelligent mobility, he signed off.
