Gulf Oil Lubricants India Ltd (GOLIL) at 125, is entering its next phase with an accelerated growth and transformation agenda, building on a legacy of trust to strengthen its core lubricants business while expanding into future-ready mobility solutions, advanced fluid engineering and EV infrastructure.
Backed by the Hinduja Group’s long-term commitment to India, the company is investing ahead of demand, targeting a 70% increase in manufacturing capacity to 240 million litres by March 2027, while building capabilities across charging hardware, software and connectivity. Marking the milestone with its new anniversary film, “Born to be Behad,” featuring MS Dhoni, Gulf Oil is embracing a broader organisational transformation spanning digitalisation, sustainability and last-mile engagement, with a renewed focus on empowerment, circularity and sustainable development as it positions itself for the next 125 years.
The celebrations were kicked off with a special evening in Mumbai with its top customers, distributors and partners who have powered the brand’s growth in India. The occasion was made special by the presence of Chairman Mr. Sanjay Hinduja and joined by brand ambassadors MS Dhoni and Smriti Mandhana.
Founded in 1901, Gulf is a globally recognised brand present in over 100 countries. In India, GOLIL has grown at 2–3 times the market rate over the past 15 years, emerging as the country’s No. 2 private lubricant brand. In line with the transformation journey the brand is looking beyond lubricants into mobility and industrial solutions, expanding manufacturing capacity and investing in sustainable oils, data-centre cooling and EV charging technologies. Backed by partnerships with over 50 OEMs and a Chennai-based global R&D hub, Gulf is positioning itself for India’s next phase of industrial and mobility growth.
Reflecting on the milestone, Mr. Sanjay Hinduja, Chairman, Gulf Oil International, said, “Gulf’s 125-year legacy is a story of evolution, built on the strength of its values and the trust it has earned across generations. Across the more than 100 countries we operate in, India has been one of our fastest growing and most consistent markets for over 15 years. It holds significant opportunity to accelerate growth, by strengthening our leadership in lubricants while building new avenues in value-added services, e-mobility and other allied areas on the strategic fit. We intend to lead this journey with superior and cleaner technologies, bold innovation and a workforce built for tomorrow. India’s growth story will be an important part of Gulf’s next phase.”
Mr. Ravi Chawla, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Gulf Oil Lubricants India Ltd, said, “Our 125th anniversary is a testament to our commitment, bold decisions, relentless innovation and enduring partnerships. As we celebrate this milestone, we are also defining where we want to go next. While looking ahead to an evolving future, these partnerships will matter more than ever. ‘Born to be Behad’ reflects who we have always been, a brand that goes beyond the limits set for it. Going forward, our brand platform, ‘Kuch Behad Kar’, will carry that spirit into everything we do.”
As part of the 125-year celebrations, Gulf also pledged to empower 125,000 women in mobility through a new initiative, “Generation Behad”. The initiative will focus on empowering women through knowledge as well as for mobility careers, including as drivers and mechanics. Smriti Mandhana launched the initiative during the event.
Ms. Aarthy Sridhar, Chief Marketing Officer, Gulf Oil Lubricants India Ltd, said, “Smriti has shown what happens when the field opens for women in cricket, the talent was always there; it just needed the space. Now it is time for mobility, where women continue to be under-represented. With Generation Behad, we want to create that space, helping women train for and step into roles from behind the wheel to under the bonnet.”
As the global brand celebrates 125 years, the company remains focused on strengthening its core business, evolving with the mobility landscape, deepening customer relationships and creating long-term value through innovation and inclusive growth.
