Bangladesh, the 19th destination of Pertamina's lubricant export

In a bid to expand its overseas lubricant market this year, state oil and gas company Pertamina has started exploring South Asian region with initial export of Mesran, Prima XP and Pertamina ATF lube brands to Bangladesh on Wednesday.

Known as a third world nation, Bangladesh has transformed into a country with a fast economic growth on par with South Asian neighbors, particularly India.

With population of 162 million and nominal PDB amounting to $94.5 billion, Bangladesh offers potential market of lubricant with 70,000 metric tons of demand per year.

The export to Bangladesh also proves compatibility of Pertamina lubricant to CNG-based vehicles, in line with the local government's green policy.

In Bangladesh Pertamina will compete head to head with major players like Castrol, Fuchs, Total, Conoco, Caltex and more than 45 brands.

With support from all directorates within PT. Pertamina (Persero), lubricant is expected to expand its market that will boost the company's image as a world class company.

The lubricants have been exported to Belgium, Saudi Arabia, Myanmar, Singapore, Taiwan, the Philippines, Timor Leste, Malaysia, Nepal, Australia, Japan, Thailand, Korea, Nepal and China. In Pakistan and United Arab Emirates the Pertamina product is sold under Zipex brand.

The volume of lubricant for four-wheel vehicles reached 99.836,89 KL in 2010, up by 3% from the previous year. Prima XP semi-synthetic lube dominated the sales with 24.502,12 KL, with synthetic brand Fastron recording 286% in growth.(giok)