OREANDA-NEWS. Gazpromneft Lubricants, the operator for JSC Gazprom Neft's motor oil business, reported a 10% increase in sales of oils and lubricants in 2013 compared with 2012, reaching a total of 492,000 tonnes. Sales of premium class products rose by 7% to 229,000 tonnes.

Gazpromneft Lubricants now has a 14% share of the Russian motor oils market and is the largest producer of lubricants with a market share of 16%. The company increased sales in Russia by expanding its sales territory and signing contracts with major industrial enterprises. Gazpromneft Lubricants supplies car manufacturers' assembly lines and is continually expanding its product range. In 2013, the company brought out a range of consumer oils marketed under the Gazpromneft trademark. The new brand's product line now comprises over 60 different oils.

The company is actively developing new markets abroad. Gazpromneft Lubricants expanded its overseas presence in 2013 and now supplies its G-Energy brand of motor oils to 42 countries. Marine oil sales increased by a factor of 2.4 to more than 2,000 tonnes, largely due to the company's expansion into the new markets of Estonia and Latvia, as well as the development of a sales network in sea and river ports.

Levan Kadagidze, Director of JSC Gazprom Neft's Commercial Directorate, commented, “JSC Gazprom Neft's motor oil business strategy isn't just about gaining a secure position on the domestic and international markets, it is also about developing new technologies and continually improving the quality of our products. In 2014, we will continue to invest in production development, new technology, marketing programmes, and service in order to provide a wide range of modern products that are affordable for Russian consumers. This will enable us to displace more expensive imported products. Other key objectives will be to develop an international distribution network and long-term partnerships with car manufacturers.”