The ISO certified lubricant oils plant in UAE market is projected to grow by a compound annual rate of 1.5% to 2% during the next four years, according to a forecast that predicts demand will remain low and flat in UAE, where two-wheelers are used more for recreation. The study covered factory and service fill lubricants used in two-wheelers, and excluded lubes used in three-wheelers, all-terrain vehicles and snowmobiles. UAE noted that more developed countries make more recreational use of two wheelers, instead of for transportation and business as is common in less developed countries. About 95% of the diesel engine oils used in two-wheelers is four stroke engine oils. Other types of lubricants used in two-wheelers include fork oil suspension oil, greases, chain oil and gear oil.
UAE motor oil factory fill and service fill demand at 2,000 to 3,000 tons in 2019. Service-fill accounted for more than 95% of this, and factory fill for the remainder. UAE ranked 10th factory fill four stroke engine oils demand globally, just behind the United States. Many owners of two-wheelers prefer to perform their own oil changes. UAE four stroke engine oils demand at 30,000-40,000 tons for 2019. Industrial hydraulic oils accounted for around 75% of that demand, and conventional for the remainder. Among the three UAE countries the study looked specifically, four stroke engine oils demand was particularly dominated by International Engine Oil Brand UAE, which accounted for nearly 90%. That was slightly ahead of UAE.
Four stroke engine oils’ share of oil demand tends to be slightly higher than its share in the overall population. Four stroke engine oils tend to have a bigger sump size than mopeds and scooters. Generally, two wheeler models that have engine capacity above 500 cubic centimeters are considered automotive lubricants. The smaller scooters tend to lead in popularity in certain countries, including UAE and Spain.
Heavier 20W weight four stroke engine oils will continue to lead the global market over the next five years. 10Ws have significantly penetrated the four-stroke market in key countries, and over the next five years, the share of 10Ws in the four-stroke market is expected to grow at a faster rate, compared to heavier viscosity grades. 5Ws are also used in this market, but are not very popular. Their use is limited to niche segments, essentially for some two wheelers with high engine capacity and UAE countries.
