- With inputs by Amit Ghugre, Chief Technology Officer & VP – Sales, Shell Lubricants IndiaWhat were the key solutions showcased by Shell at Bauma CONEXPO India 2026?We showcased an ecosystem of lubrication products and services that goes beyond individual lubricants. Alongside engine oils, greases, transmission and gear oils, our portfolio includes solutions such as oil conditioning, filtration and predictive analytics, helping customers improve equipment performance, reliability and cost efficiency. A key highlight was the launch of Shell Rimula R4 Plus, a Synthetic Technology lubricant designed for demanding construction and mining operations. It offers up to 2X superior protection against corrosion, deposits and wear, along with up to 40% lower top-up requirements. We also showcased technology-enabled solutions such as automatic lubrication systems, Shell Lube VideoCheck and on-site lubrication bays. Together, these products and services can help customers improve equipment reliability, reduce downtime and enhance operational efficiency.How are changing equipment and OEM requirements influencing lubricant development?Construction and mining equipment are becoming more powerful and efficient, while operating conditions are becoming more demanding. We are seeing requirements for higher performance, heavier loads, longer drain intervals and compliance with evolving emission norms. With over 5,000 OEM approvals for our products, Shell works closely with OEMs globally to understand these trends and develop formulations and services that address their requirements.How can advanced lubricants improve uptime and total cost of ownership?We are seeing a clear shift towards synthetic lubricants as performance expectations increase. Their chemistry enables enhanced performance under demanding operating conditions.However, the lubricant itself is only one part of the solution. Oil condition monitoring, filtration and predictive analytics are increasingly important for improving equipment performance and enabling proactive maintenance.What is Shell’s strategy for India’s off-highway lubricant market?India is a core market for Shell, given its scale and growth potential. We are working to translate our global OEM partnerships into solutions suited to Indian operating conditions, including customised product performance and value propositions.Localization is also important. Our blending plant in India enables us to respond faster to customer requirements while strengthening our distribution and route-to-market capabilities helps us maintain a strong on-ground presence.Where do you see the greater opportunity – construction or mining?Construction is a significant opportunity, particularly given the emphasis on infrastructure development. Mining remains important, but construction is currently the larger market and therefore a key area of future opportunity.What will be the key areas of innovation going forward?Product performance will remain a key focus, with continued improvements in lubricant efficacy. Local manufacturing, blending and supply will also become increasingly important. The larger shift will be towards integrated lubrication systems. Customers will increasingly look for a single solution that combines lubrication, monitoring and predictive maintenance rather than managing multiple vendors. The focus will therefore move increasingly from reactive to predictive maintenance.