From engine oil and gear oil to all grease types, additive packages, and process technology — LubeChem Consultant delivers complete R&D and manufacturing consultancy for lubricant businesses across India and internationally.
Founded by Er. Manoj Kumar, a chemical engineer with deep expertise in lubricant formulation chemistry. We work exclusively in oils, greases, and additive packages — not paints, not pharma, not polymers.
Complete Lubricant R&D
Engine oil, gear oil, hydraulic oil, compressor oil, cutting fluids, and specialty lubricants — every product type, every viscosity grade, from mineral to full synthetic.
All Grease Types
Calcium, lithium, lithium complex, calcium-lithium complex, aluminium complex, red gel, silica, and food-grade greases — full saponification process development and NLGI grade control.
Additive Package Development
Custom ZDDP, PIBSI, OCP, ADPA, MoDTC, and detergent systems — in-house additive package R&D that competes with Afton and Lubrizol-grade packages at lower cost.
Manufacturing Process Optimisation
Saponification SOP, blending temperatures, addition sequences, yield improvement — we take your process from lab to plant-scale with documented, repeatable procedures.
BIS / API / ASTM Compliance
BIS IS 13656/1012/7623, API SN/SP/CF/CK-4, ACEA specifications — full regulatory documentation, TDS/MSDS preparation, and OEM approval support.
Plant Setup & Equipment Supply
Turnkey grease manufacturing plant consultancy — from layout and P&ID to equipment selection (200–540 kg pilot units), saponification reactors, and manpower training.
Annual R&D Partnership Programme
Your External R&D Department. The Whole Year.
One fixed annual retainer gives your lubricant or grease business a complete, embedded R&D function — unlimited formulations, continuous testing, process optimisation, and full regulatory support. No per-formulation billing. No per-test charges. Everything included, all year.
ZDDP, PIBSI, OCP/PMA VI improvers, ADPA antioxidants, MoDTC friction modifiers, Ca/Mg sulfonates — in-house package design all year.
Unlimited
Regular Testing & Process Optimisation
ASTM D445, D4172, D2783, D217, D566, D664 — scheduled QC, raw material testing, and continuous saponification process improvement.
Full Year
BIS / API Compliance & Documentation
All regulatory documentation, TDS/MSDS, OEM approval support, export compliance (UAE, Nepal, Bangladesh) — fully covered throughout the year.
Full Year
Our Services
Formulation. Testing. Manufacturing. Compliance.
End-to-end consultancy covering every stage of lubricant and grease product development — from raw material selection to finished product market launch.
Lubricant Oil Formulation
Custom development of engine oil, gear oil, hydraulic oil, compressor oil, turbine oil, cutting fluids, and specialty lubricants across mineral, semi-synthetic, and synthetic base stocks.
All grease types — calcium, lithium, lithium complex, Ca-Li complex, aluminium complex, red gel, silica, and food-grade. Saponification process development, NLGI grade optimisation, drop point control.
In-house design of ZDDP, PIBSI, OCP/PMA, ADPA, MoDTC, detergent and defoamer systems. Custom additive packages that match commercial performance at optimised treat rates.
ASTM-protocol testing for viscosity (D445), wear (D4172, D2783), grease penetration (D217), drop point (D566), TAN/TBN (D664/D2896), oxidation stability, flash/pour point, and more.
BIS IS 13656/1012/7623, API SN/SP/CK-4, ACEA A3/B4, OEM approvals — complete regulatory documentation, TDS/MSDS preparation, and export market compliance for UAE, Nepal, Bangladesh.
Every product we develop is tailored to your base oil availability, target market, cost structure, and performance specification.
Lubricant Oil Formulation R&D
We develop oil formulations from API Group I through Group V base stocks — mineral, semi-synthetic, and full synthetic — engineered to meet API, ACEA, BIS, and OEM performance standards. All treatments are designed to compete with top brands at a cost-optimised treat rate.
API SN / SPAPI CF / CK-4GL-4 / GL-5HLP / HVLPSAE 5W-30SAE 80W-90ISO VG 32–680Group I–V
We formulate all major grease types using optimised saponification and dispersion processes. Whether you need a calcium grease for wheel bearings or a lithium complex for high-temperature industrial applications, we develop it with full process SOP and NLGI grade control.
We design and develop custom in-house additive packages — combining ZDDP, PIBSI dispersants, OCP VI improvers, phenolic antioxidants, and friction modifiers into cost-effective treats that compete directly with commercial packages from Afton, Lubrizol, and Infineum.
ZDDPPIBSIOCP / PMAADPAMoDTCTBN ControlDetergentsAW / EP
Beyond lubricants and greases, we develop formulations for specialty products that support the broader chemical manufacturing sector — from antifoaming agents to DEF, coolants, mold release agents, and waste oil recycling chemistry.
We develop all grease types using the correct saponification chemistry, base oil selection, and additive treatment — from NLGI 0 pumpable greases to NLGI 3 block greases for high-load applications.
Calcium
Calcium Soap Grease
Water-resistant, general-purpose. NLGI 1–3. Drop point 80–100°C. Ideal for chassis, water-contact bearing applications.
Lithium
Lithium Soap Grease
Universal multi-purpose grease. NLGI 0–3. Drop point 180–200°C. The most widely used grease in automotive and industrial applications.
Lithium Complex
Lithium Complex Grease
High-temperature, EP-rated performance. Drop point 260°C+. Excellent load-carrying capacity. Bearings, industrial, heavy machinery.
Ca-Li Complex
Calcium-Lithium Complex
Outstanding water resistance combined with high temperature capability. Drop point 280°C+. Premium construction and mining sector grease.
Aluminium Complex
Aluminium Complex Grease
Excellent adhesion, water resistance, and high-speed performance. Drop point 250°C+. Rolling mills, open gear, and marine applications.
Red Gel
Red Gel EP Grease
High-tackiness, extreme-pressure formulation. Clay/silica thickener. High-visibility red colour. Chains, open gears, crane wire ropes.
Silica / Clay
Silica & Bentonite Grease
Organo-clay and silica thickener-based greases. Non-soap thickener. High-temperature electrical and dielectric applications.
Food Grade
Food-Grade Grease
NSF H1 / H2 certified formulations. White mineral oil or food-grade synthetic base. Food & beverage processing equipment compliance.
We design custom additive packages from individual components — reducing your dependence on expensive commercial packages from Afton, Lubrizol, and Infineum.
Key Additive Components
ZDDP
Zinc Dialkyl Dithiophosphate
Anti-wear & antioxidant
PIBSI
Polyisobutenyl Succinimide
Ashless dispersant
OCP
Olefin Copolymer
Viscosity index improver
ADPA
Alkyl Diphenylamine
High-temp antioxidant
MoDTC
Molybdenum Dithiocarbamate
Friction modifier
PMA
Polymethacrylate
VI improver & PPD
Ca/Mg
Metallic Sulfonates
Detergent systems
Si
Silicone Antifoam
Foam suppression
Custom Packages for Every Product Category
We don't just blend commercial packages. We understand the chemistry — selecting, optimising, and combining individual additive components into packages that match API, BIS, and OEM performance standards at a fraction of commercial treat costs.
Petrol Engine Oil Package
API SN / SP grade. ZDDP + PIBSI + OCP + ADPA + PPD. Optimised for SAE 5W-30, 10W-40, 20W-50.
Diesel Engine Oil Package
API CF / CH-4 / CK-4 grade. ZDDP + Ca-sulfonate + PIBSI + OCP. High TBN for soot and acid control.
Gear Oil Package
GL-4 / GL-5. Sulphur-phosphorus EP + friction modifier. Yellow metal compatible formulations.
Grease Additive Packages
EP additives, rust inhibitors, oxidation inhibitors, and tackiness agents customised per grease type.
HETG (vegetable oil) and HEES (synthetic ester) hydraulic fluids for forestry, agriculture, construction, and marine applications.
NSF H1
Food-Grade Greases & Oils
White mineral oil and ester-based greases for food processing machinery — full NSF H1/H2 registration support and documentation.
VGP 2013 EAL
Marine EAL Lubricants
Environmentally Acceptable Lubricants for US EPA VGP compliance — stern tube, deck machinery, wire rope, open gear.
Bio-Based
Bio Chain & Gear Oils
EN 14807 chainsaw bar oils, UTTO bio tractor fluids, and GL-4 equivalent bio gear oils from Indian agricultural feedstocks.
Bio-lubricants command 20–60% price premiums in export markets. Lubechem develops the complete formulation IP — you own it outright, no royalties or licensing fees.
From first-time entrepreneurs starting a lubricant business to established manufacturers expanding their product range — we have worked with every type of client in the Indian lubricant industry.
New Entrants
Starting a Lubricant Manufacturing Business
You want to enter the lubricant or grease industry in India but need a formulation, a plant setup guide, and BIS certification support. We handle the complete technical side — from your first formula to your first commercial batch.
You already manufacture lubricants or grease and want to add new grades, new product categories, or develop your own additive packages to reduce your dependency on commercial blends. We develop the formulations and hand over complete IP.
You want to launch your own branded lubricant range — for the Indian market or for export to UAE, Africa, Nepal, or Bangladesh. We develop all formulations, get API and BIS certifications, and hand over every product under your brand name.
Your grease is lumping, your oil is failing viscosity tests, or your product was rejected by BIS. We diagnose the root cause — saponification, base oil incompatibility, additive interaction — and fix it. 48-hour initial assessment.
You are paying too much for commercial additive packages from Afton, Lubrizol, or Infineum. We develop in-house alternatives using Indian-available components — typically saving 12–25% on per-litre treat cost without compromising API or BIS performance.
You need ASTM D445 viscosity, D4172 four-ball wear, D217 grease penetration, or D566 drop point testing — coordinated through NABL-accredited laboratories with full interpretation and reformulation support if any test fails.
India is one of the world's fastest-growing lubricant markets. Synthetic penetration remains below 20%, creating enormous opportunity for manufacturers who can formulate higher-value products.
$7.2B
India Market Size (2024)
4.4%
CAGR 2024–2030
~20%
Synthetic Lubricant Penetration
55%
Engine Oil Share of Market
Key Market Opportunities
EV Lubricants — India EV Sales +25% Q1 2024Electric vehicles need specialised e-fluids: high dielectric strength, copper-compatible, thermal management. Lubechem develops EV-specific gear oils and thermal fluids.
Synthetic Conversion — Only 20% PenetrationEnormous headroom to convert mineral-oil-based blenders to semi-synthetic and full-synthetic products. API SP, ACEA A5/B5, and OEM-spec formulation development is a core Lubechem capability.
Food-Grade Lubricant Demand — NSF H1 GapIndia's growing food processing, dairy, and pharmaceutical sectors need NSF H1 lubricants. Most are imported. Lubechem develops Indian-manufactured NSF H1 alternatives at 30–40% lower cost.
Bio-Lubricant Export — EU & UAE MandatesMiddle East and European buyers increasingly mandate biodegradable lubricants. Lubechem develops HETG/HEES formulations to ISO 15380 for Indian manufacturers targeting these export markets.
What Clients Search For — And Find Us
These are the actual search queries from Indian lubricant manufacturers and entrepreneurs — and the services Lubechem provides in response:
"how to start lubricant business India"Plant Setup →
Answers to the most common questions from lubricant manufacturers, grease producers, and entrepreneurs across India.
How do I get BIS certification for a lubricant or grease product in India?
BIS certification for lubricants in India is governed by the Bureau of Indian Standards under the relevant IS standard — IS 13656 for automotive lubricating oils, IS 1012 for transformer oils, IS 7623 for greases. The process involves: (1) testing at a BIS-recognised laboratory per ASTM and IS methods, (2) submitting the test report with an application to the relevant BIS regional office, (3) BIS factory inspection, and (4) licence grant. Lubechem manages the complete documentation and test coordination process — including reformulation if any test fails.
What is the NLGI grade for grease and how is it determined?
NLGI grade is a consistency classification for greases based on worked penetration at 25°C, measured by ASTM D217. NLGI 000 is the softest (semi-fluid, 445–475 dmm) and NLGI 6 is the hardest block grease (85–100 dmm). NLGI 2 (265–295 dmm) is the most common general-purpose grease grade. During formulation, NLGI grade is controlled by the soap/thickener concentration, the base oil viscosity, and the degree of working during manufacturing.
What is the difference between API SN, SP, and CK-4 engine oil grades?
API SN (2010) and API SP (2020) are petrol engine oil standards — SP is the current highest, with enhanced LSPI protection and fuel economy requirements. API CK-4 (2017) is the current heavy-duty diesel standard, replacing CJ-4, with improved oxidation resistance and shear stability for Euro VI and BS6 engines. Lubechem develops all API-grade engine oil formulations — SN, SP, CF, CH-4, CI-4+, CJ-4, and CK-4.
How much does it cost to set up a lubricant or grease manufacturing plant in India?
A small lubricant blending plant (500–2,000 L/day) typically requires ₹25–60 lakhs for equipment, lab setup, and civil works. A grease manufacturing plant with a saponification reactor (200–500 kg/batch) typically requires ₹40–90 lakhs. A medium-scale fully automated lubricant blending facility (5,000+ L/day) can require ₹1.5–4 crore. Contact us for a project-specific assessment based on your production target and product mix.
Can Lubechem help develop a lubricant formulation and transfer the complete IP to us?
Yes — IP transfer is a core part of every Lubechem engagement. Upon project completion, you receive: the complete formulation with exact treat rates, raw material specifications, the manufacturing SOP, all ASTM test data, and certification documentation. Lubechem retains no licence rights or ongoing dependency. All engagements begin with a signed NDA. Your formulation is yours — no royalties or ongoing fees.
Why is my lithium grease failing the drop point test?
Low drop point in lithium grease typically results from: (1) insufficient soap concentration, (2) incomplete saponification — the reaction temperature was not maintained long enough, (3) base oil incompatibility — naphthenic base oils produce lower drop points, (4) contamination from water or incompatible additives, or (5) milling/working temperature too high during finishing. Lubechem diagnoses drop point failures and redesigns the saponification process to achieve specification consistently.
The lubricant industry is changing. EV adoption, biodegradability mandates, food safety regulations, and synthetic conversion are reshaping what products the market demands. Lubechem formulates for all of these.
Electric Vehicle Lubricants
EV E-Fluids & Thermal Management
With Indian EV sales growing over 25% in 2024, manufacturers need lubricants compatible with copper windings, high dielectric strength for motors, and low traction coefficient for efficiency. Lubechem develops e-fluid formulations for EV drivetrains, gearboxes, and thermal management systems.
Dielectric E-FluidsCu-CompatibleLow Traction
Food-Grade Lubricants
NSF H1 Registered Products
India's food processing sector requires NSF H1 lubricants for incidental food contact. Most available products are imported. Lubechem develops NSF H1 registered engine oil, hydraulic oil, gear oil, and grease formulations using USDA-approved ingredients — manufactured in India at 30–40% lower cost than imports.
NSF H1 / H2FSSAI CompliantWhite Mineral Oil Base
Synthetic Lubricants
Full Synthetic API SP & ACEA
With synthetic penetration below 20% in India, the premium lubricant market is wide open. Lubechem develops full-synthetic Group III and Group IV (PAO) based formulations to API SP, ACEA A3/B4, and OEM specifications — enabling Indian manufacturers to compete with premium international brands.
Every Industry. Every Lubricant. One Formulation Expert.
From automotive assembly lines to food processing plants, offshore platforms to railway networks — every industry runs on precisely formulated lubricants. Search by industry or lubricant type to find what we develop.
"Lubechem developed our entire lithium complex grease range — from NLGI 1 to NLGI 3. The formulations passed BIS testing on the first attempt and have been running consistently in commercial production. Er. Manoj's depth in saponification chemistry is exceptional."
Production Director
Lubricant Manufacturer, Delhi NCR
★★★★★
"We needed API SN Plus and SP grade engine oil formulations that could compete with national brands on performance but at a significantly lower treat cost. LubeChem delivered exactly that — with in-house additive packages that cut our per-litre cost by over 18%."
Technical Head
Engine Oil Manufacturer, Chandigarh
★★★★★
"As a new entrant setting up a grease manufacturing plant in Gujarat, LubeChem's end-to-end support was invaluable — from plant layout and equipment selection to the first successful 350 kg calcium grease batch. I recommend them to every startup in this industry."
Managing Director
Grease Manufacturer, Surat
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India
Primary Market
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United Arab Emirates
International
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Nepal
International
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Bangladesh
International
New Delhi, India
Head Office Since 2010
Kanpur (Uttar Pradesh), India
Registered Office Since 2022
Ready to Develop Your Next Lubricant Product?
From a single formulation to an annual R&D partnership — LubeChem's experts are ready to work with your team.
