Shell Lubricants entered Myanmar in 2013 and now has a 5pc share in the market, said Troy Chapman, executive director for Southeast Asia lubricants, on October 10.
Shell has over 70 years of experience in the lubricants industry and a presence in over 100 countries.
In Myanmar the company is working with Que Holdings, a joint venture between TA Corporation from Singapore and TA Resources Myanmar, which has offices and warehouses in Yangon and Mandalay, a representative office in Nay Pyi Taw and authorized re-sellers in Kalay in Sagaing Region, Lashio in Shan State, and Myeik and Dawei in Tanintharyi Region.
Que Holdings distributes Shell Lubricants, AeroShell products and Continental Tires.
“Each year, 40 million tonnes of lubricant is used worldwide, with around half of the demand coming from Asia,” said Mr Chapman. “As we have seen in neighbouring countries, Myanmar will increasingly use lubricants.”
Growth in the use of lubricants in Myanmar is between 8pc and 9pc each year, versus 1pc to 2pc worldwide, he said.
“As far as I know, Myanmar is importing 80 million litres each year. We have a 15pc market share in Southeast Asia, and hope to achieve this in Myanmar too. We want one in six people who use lubricants to pick Shell.”
Shell Lubricants are more expensive than local brands, but Mr Chapman said he hopes buyers will seek quality products.
“We set the price according to the quality, and buyers will be satisfied with this,” he said. “There are already many brands in Myanmar, but we will focus on marketing the quality of our products. We will not compete with other brands on price.”
Shell initially imported lubricants for use in heavy machines and industry, before adding products for cars and buses, said Mr Chapman.
The automotive lubricant market in Myanmar has changed significantly over the past few years, according to a market study published last year by consulting firm Solidance, which said the market share of low-grade lubricants is falling – from 90pc before 2010 to 60pc in 2014.
Source: Myanmar Times