The Lubricants Market Between Africa and UAE

The Lubricants Industry in the UAE: A Re-Export Hub and Key Supplier to Africa and Asia.

The United Arab Emirates has established itself as a major hub for lubricant re-exports, meeting demand across the Middle East region as well as in CIS countries, South Asia (India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh), and Africa.  

Emerging Markets: East Africa and CIS Countries   

The UAE's lubricant exports are seeing significant growth to East Africa and CIS nations. Mohammed Al Shamsi from ADNOC Distribution confirmed substantial export increases to African markets, attributing this to competitive solutions catering to all lubricant types and grades.  

Gear oils and greases constitute 60% of Dubai's exports, while industrial lubricants make up 40%. Naeem Amin Tai of Pride International Lubricants noted his company's exports to Pakistan, Yemen, East Africa, Gulf states, and India are expected to grow further.  

Demand and Manufacturing

Lubricants - composed of 60% base oil and 40% chemical additives - are used in construction, machinery, and oil/gas sectors to reduce friction. 

UAE manufacturers are now focusing on emerging African and Central Asian markets, among the world's fastest-growing.  

Raghuvendra Sangha of Zafco Trading highlighted how rising demand in these markets presents major opportunities for UAE producers and traders.  

Product Quality and Diversity

COMESA Business Association's Boney Katatumba noted that Africa's economic changes have driven demand for higher-quality products.  

Industrial sectors like oil and mining primarily drive demand for industrial lubricants. While countries like South Africa, Egypt and Nigeria have significant blending capacity, the UAE remains a preferred supplier due to product diversity and competitive pricing.  

Advantages of the UAE Market   

Shabbir Ali of Artra Lubricants emphasized how African buyers can source all requirements from Dubai while benefiting from low shipping costs. 

Aleem Quraishi of Quepet Lubricants stressed UAE companies' ability to meet Africa's specific needs, particularly in automotive and industrial lubricants.  

 Pricing and Appeal   

Azhar from Al Mehdar explained the UAE's strength lies in combining low prices with quality products.  

Ugandan buyer James Kyadze praised UAE prices (about half African levels) and Dubai's advanced logistics infrastructure as ideal for procurement.  

 Growth Outlook 

Industry experts anticipate continued expansion as African markets increasingly trust Emirate products, solidifying the UAE' s position as a global lubricant re-export center.  

Key advantages driving this trend:  

- Competitive pricing (African buyers report 50% savings)  

- One-stop sourcing for diverse lubricant needs  

- Strategic logistics capabilities  

- Ability to accommodate small/medium order quantities  

- Strong quality perception in emerging markets  

The sector's future appears robust, with UAE manufacturers well-positioned to capitalize on Africa's industrial growth and evolving product requirements.

 
Location: Africa

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