Shell Lubricants has launched its Helix Ultra lubricant brand in India which it says is its most advanced motor oil product featuring a base oil designed from natural gas. Made with what Shell calls PurePlus Technology, the product has been made through a  Gas-to-Liquid (GTL) process that converts natural gas into a crystal-clear base oil with virtually none of the impurities which are found in crude oil, the company said.

Nitin Prasad, managing director, Shell Lubricants India said, “ Developed through decades of research and development at Shell’s laboratories all over the world, the technology harnesses the  power of gas to produce the next generation motor oils. In India, where the market is fast moving towards synthetic products, we believe the time is right to introduce this innovation through our motor oils.”

“It will redefine the premium synthetic category,” said Leo Kin Mun, Lubricants Technology Manager, Shell Global Solutions. “More and more engine makers are now recommending fully synthetic motor oil because it provides better cleansing and engine protection through a wider range of conditions. In addition to enhanced cleansing, Shell Helix Ultra provides superior wear and corrosion protection which can help to extend engine life and reduce maintenance costs,” said Akhil Jha, VP,  Technical (Lubricants), Shell India Markets.

Helix Ultra uses  synthetic base oil  made at its the Pearl Plant in Qatar, a partnership between Shell and Qatar Petroleum.

Shell India says it has received OEM approvals from Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai, Ford, Nissan and General Motors (Chrysler included) in India. The Shell Helix Ultra is  being rolled out to markets worldwide.