Gazprom Neft to boost lubricants output to take market share left by foreign suppliers

MOSCOW. Dec 8 (Interfax) - Gazprom Neft will ramp up production of lubricants in a bid to capture market share left by foreign suppliers who have made their exit from Russia, Anatoly Skoromets, head of Gazpromneft Lubricants, told reporters.

"We forecast production of 700,000 tonnes across our range of oils, lubricants and waxes. Half of that is premium packaged products. And we expect to increase total output further next year. Growth will be achieved with production development projects and the redistribution of market share left by foreign suppliers," he said.

Skoromets said Gazprom Neft would launch a hydro-isodewaxing complex with capacity of 220,000 tonnes in 2023: "This is a high-tech production base for the production of groups 2 and 3 synthetic motor, transmission and industrial oils that are in demand. Our complex will completely dispense with imported components. Feedstock will come from Omsk Oil Refinery's deep refining complex. Nearly all equipment has been installed at the site and preparations are underway for pre-commissioning trials," he said.

"Our premium services are in highly sought-after in the market, and we are actively developing our work. For example, there is the G-Lab system, which analyses oil in use to give forecasts for further equipment operation and warn of possible breakdowns. We see a lot of potential in the Middle East, Africa and Asian markets," he said.