Lubricant maker Castrol India reported a 4% growth in profit after tax at ₹242 crore in the January-March quarter of 2026, compared to ₹233 crore in the first quarter of calendar year 2025. According to reports from The Economic Times, the company follows the calendar year for financial reporting. The revenue for the quarter under review rose 9% to ₹1,545 crore from ₹1,422 crore in the January-March period of CY2025. Additionally, earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) increased 7% to ₹329 crore in the March quarter of this year as compared to ₹322 crore in the first quarter of the previous year.
As reported by The Economic Times, Saugata Basuray, Executive Director and CEO (Interim) at Castrol India Limited, highlighted the company's strong momentum in execution. The company expanded deeper into rural India, tapping village clusters with population below 20,000, with the rural portfolio growing at double digits. In urban markets, the company sharpened its focus on premium brands, driving distribution and activations in high-density consumption areas and delivering double-digit volume and value growth. The industrial business also sustained its double-digit growth, contributing to continued market share gains. During the quarter, Castrol India expanded its distribution reach significantly, strengthening its presence across approximately 1,50,000 outlets nationwide.
According to The Economic Times, the company's service ecosystem remained robust, supported by around 800 Castrol Auto Service centres, nearly 34,000 independent workshops, and over 13,000 multi-brand workshops. The company also continued to deepen its rural footprint, with distribution expanding to around 43,000 outlets backed by nearly 700 Rural Service Express centres. Additionally, Castrol India added more than 600 new customers during the quarter, with a focused push in sectors such as mining and electric vehicles, including partnerships with EV manufacturers. On the product front, the company enhanced its industrial portfolio through new launches and innovation-led initiatives, while also pursuing localisation strategies.
As reported by The Economic Times, the company further signed a memorandum of understanding with HPCL to explore opportunities in developing a re-refined base oil ecosystem in India. Management noted that the quarter reflected strong momentum in business performance, driven by expansion in rural markets and increased focus on premium product segments. However, management noted emerging external headwinds towards the end of the quarter, particularly related to currency volatility and rising raw material costs due to geopolitical developments. Despite these challenges, the company indicated that it is proactively managing these challenges through calibrated pricing, cost discipline, and supply chain resilience. Looking ahead, Castrol India remains focused on expanding distribution, investing in premium brands, and maintaining agility in navigating a volatile macro environment, while balancing near-term challenges with long-term growth priorities.
