Castrol Limited is a UK-based manufacturer and marketer of lubricants and related fluids for automotive, industrial, marine, and energy applications. Founded in 1899 as C.C. Wakefield & Co., the company became known for early formulations using castor oil and later adopted the Castrol name. It operates globally and is a wholly owned subsidiary of BP p.l.c.
Castrol’s portfolio spans engine oils, transmission and driveline fluids, coolants, greases, metalworking and machining fluids, hydraulic and compressor oils, turbine and marine lubricants, and specialized products for electric vehicles and thermal management. The company supplies both consumer and business markets, working with vehicle manufacturers, industrial operators, and service networks. It maintains blending and manufacturing facilities and technology centers to develop formulations that meet OEM specifications and regulatory standards related to performance, emissions, and equipment protection. Castrol also undertakes programs aimed at improving energy efficiency and reducing environmental impact across its products and operations.
Also known as Castrol Oil, Burmah Castrol Plc, and The Burmah Oil Public Limited Company.
Sale of Gelsenkirchen refinery raises structural cost-cut target by ~$1bn to $6.5-7.5bn by 2027, strengthens balance sheet, is free-cash-flow accretive; 12Mtpa, ~1,800 staff; close H2 2026.
Strong 2025 performance: $7.5bn profit, $24.5bn cash flow. Strategic divestments over $11bn. Share buyback suspended to strengthen balance sheet and invest in oil & gas opportunities.
bp will use $6 billion proceeds to cut debt, strengthen its balance sheet, and focus on downstream strategy. The deal includes a new joint venture with Stonepeak. Completion expected by 2026.
