East Africa Lubricants Market Overview

Market Segmentation


The East African lubricants industry is segmented based on:

  • End User Applications:

    • Automotive
    • Heavy Equipment
    • Metallurgy and Metalworking
    • Power Generation 
    • Marine
    • Other Industrial Sectors (e.g., Oil & Gas)

  • Product Type:

    • Engine Oils
    • Greases
    • Hydraulic Fluids
    • Metalworking Fluids
    • Transmission and Gear Oils
    • Other Specialty Lubricants

  • Geographic Reach:

    • Kenya
    • Tanzania
    • Democratic Republic of Congo
    • Uganda, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Burundi, and others

Market Size & Growth Outlook

  • Estimated Volume in 2025: 302.53 million liters
  • Projected Volume by 2030: 386.11 million liters
  • CAGR (2025–2030): Greater than 5%

The market experienced a temporary decline during the COVID-19 pandemic due to restricted industrial activity, particularly in the automotive sector.
However, recovery began in 2022, and steady growth is expected through 2030.

Key Market Drivers & Challenges

Growth Catalysts

  • Increased use of second-hand vehicles, driving lubricant consumption
  • Expansion in electrification and power generation infrastructure
  • Development of local e-mobility solutions and assembly facilities

Market Constraints

  • Volatility in base oil prices
  • Limited domestic production capacity for essential raw materials

Automotive Sector Insights

  • Automotive remains the largest lubricant consumer in the region.

  • Common lubricant uses include:

    • Engine oils
    • Transmission fluids
    • Brake and steering fluids
    • Greases and coolants

  • Notable Developments:

    • Kenya’s car production rose to 13,473 units in 2022, with 7,416 units produced in the first half of 2023.
    • BasiGo introduced electric buses assembled with BYD parts.
    • Roam launched East Africa’s largest electric motorcycle plant (capacity: 50,000 units/year).
    • Tata Motors debuted the Nexon SUV in Tanzania, signaling rapid market entry of international brands.

Engine Oil Demand Trends

  • Composed of 75–90% base oil and 10–25% additives.

  • Used for:

    • Lubrication of moving engine parts
    • Heat dissipation
    • Wear and corrosion protection

  • High-mileage and low-viscosity oils are increasingly preferred for older vehicles and demanding environments.

  • Engine oils are essential across:

    • Automotive
    • Construction
    • Power generation
    • Mining and industrial machinery

Construction & Energy Sector Opportunities

  • Kenya’s construction sector grew 4.1% in 2022; approved building plans surged by 58%.

  • Regional mega projects include:

    • $9.8B East Africa Railway Network
    • $5B Lamu Port Infrastructure Development

  • Kenya’s electricity generation rose to nearly 12,985 GWh in 2022, supporting increased demand for lubricants in generators and industrial systems.

Industry Landscape & Key Players

The market is partially consolidated with strong regional and global competition.
 Leading companies include:

Company Role
General Petroleum Regional manufacturer with diverse product portfolio
TotalEnergies Major OEM-endorsed supplier
Shell plc Key distributor and supplier of synthetic oils
Exxon Mobil Corporation Global player with premium lubricants
Oryx Energies SA Well-established distributor in East Africa

Latest Market Developments

  • Feb 2023: Engen and Vivo Energy announce merger to form one of Africa’s largest fuel distribution networks. PETRONAS to sell its stake in Engen.
  • Nov 2022: Chevron launches biodegradable marine-grade lubricants (Clarity Synthetic EA Grease 0), supporting sustainable maritime operations.

Product Formulation & Usage

Lubricants are typically composed of:

  • Base Oils (75–90%)
  • Additives (10–25%)

Used for reducing friction, ensuring smoother engine operation, and preventing energy losses.
Common applications span engines, transmissions, hydraulics, and gearboxes.

Regional Coverage

The market report includes detailed forecasts for:

  • Kenya
  • Tanzania
  • Democratic Republic of Congo
  • Uganda
  • Ethiopia
  • Rwanda
  • Burundi

All volume estimations are based on liters and calculated per segment and geography.


Location: Africa

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