Lubricants Oil Drum Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Product Type (Steel Drum, Plastic Drum, and Fiber Drum), By Capacity (Less than 100 Liters, 100 to 250 Liters, 251 to 500 Liters, and Above 500 Liters), By End-use Industry (Automotive, Aerospace, Marine, and Others), and Regional Forecast, 2025-2032

The global lubricants oil drum market size was valued at USD 2.82 billion in 2024. The market is projected to grow from USD 3.05 billion in 2025 to USD 5.61 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 9.06% during the forecast period. Asia Pacific dominated the lubricants oil drum market with a market share of 36.88% in 2024.

A lubricant oil drum is a cylindrical container used for the storage and transportation of lubricating oils. The market primarily involves the manufacturing, supply, and distribution of drums used for storing and transporting lubricant oils. These drums are used for storing and transporting lubricating oils, which are substances that reduce friction and wear between moving parts.  These lubricants are critical across various industries such as automotive, manufacturing, marine, aviation, industrial machinery, and shipping for storing and transporting lubricating oils. The drums are typically made from steel, plastic, or fiber, designed to meet stringent safety, environmental, and quality standards.

Greif, Inc. and Mauser Packaging Solutions are the leading manufacturers, accounting for the largest market share.

Lubricants Oil Drum Market Key Takeaways

Market Size & Forecast:

• 2024 Market Size: USD 2.82 billion
• 2025 Market Size: USD 3.05 billion
• 2032 Forecast Market Size: USD 5.61 billion
• CAGR: 9.06% from 2025–2032

Market Share:

• Asia Pacific dominated the lubricants oil drum market with a 36.88% share in 2024, driven by strong automotive sales, industrial expansion, and demand from the food and beverage sector for durable storage and transportation solutions.
• By product type, steel drums are expected to hold the largest market share in 2025 due to their recyclability, reusability, and durability, making them the preferred choice for petroleum and lubricants storage.

Key Country Highlights:

• United States: Growth is supported by one of the world’s largest automotive markets, with 11.5 million new light vehicle sales in 2022 and 4.9 million vehicles produced by international manufacturers in 2023.
• China: Expanding automotive sales and industrial activities drive demand, supported by a strong role in food and beverage exports that rely on safe, leak-proof drums.
• India: Rising vehicle sales, with passenger vehicle sales reaching 3.34 lakh units in November 2023, strengthen demand for lubricant drums.
• Europe: Adoption of AI-driven quality systems in manufacturing enhances efficiency and reliability of drum production, boosting market confidence.
• Brazil: Industrial expansion, mining, and automotive production support growing lubricant consumption, driving demand for oil drums.

MARKET DYNAMICS

MARKET DRIVERS

Industrialization, Infrastructure Development, and Automotive Sector Growth Drive Market Expansion

The swift expansion of construction, manufacturing, and mining sectors—particularly in developing nations such as India, Brazil, and Africa—fuels the need for industrial lubricants, typically stored and moved in oil drums. Heavy machinery and equipment need consistent lubrication, which makes bulk packaging, such as drums, more economical. Additionally, the rise in vehicle manufacturing and ownership, particularly in the Asia Pacific region, enhances lubricant usage.

Commercial transport fleets (trucks, buses, etc.) utilize lubricants in large quantities and frequently obtain them in drums for cost-effectiveness and logistical convenience. Henceforth, the rapid industrialization and development in automotive and infrastructure thus drive the global lubricants oil drum market growth. Rising number of vehicles globally — from passenger cars to heavy-duty trucks — requires constant supplies of engine oils, transmission fluids, and other lubricants. The automotive sector alone accounts for the largest share of lubricant consumption, pushing the demand for packaging solutions like drums. The rising R&D activities also enhance the market growth.

• The International Trade Administration states that the automotive sector is leading the way in innovation. Recent research and development efforts are revolutionizing the industry to capitalize on the prospects of the 21st century effectively. In 2022, U.S. branches of foreign-owned automotive firms invested more than USD 7.9 billion in research and development activities.

MARKET RESTRAINTS

Transportation and Compliance Issues Restrain the Market Expansion

The market growth faces several challenges. Lubricants kept in drums encounter numerous challenges and hurdles throughout the supply chain—from production and storage to transportation, handling, and final usage. These difficulties can greatly affect product quality, safety, operational effectiveness, and adherence to regulations. Drums may sustain damage during loading and unloading (for instance, dents, punctures, or corrosion). Leaks or damaged seals may result in spills, loss of product, or safety risks. Inadequate labeling or documentation may result in misidentification or the use of an incorrect product.

Absence of batch traceability complicates the management of recalls or quality control. Additionally, drums frequently have leftover oil, creating difficulties for their cleaning and recycling. Incorrect disposal may result in penalties, environmental pollution, or failure to comply with regulations. Manufacturers are required to adhere to GHS (Globally Harmonized System) as well as local rules concerning safety, transport (e.g., DOT/ADR), and storage.

MARKET OPPORTUNITIES

Growing Demand for Sustainable Drum Product Types Will Offer Potential Growth Opportunities

The demand for eco-friendly drum materials (recyclable plastics, reusable steel) is increasing. Firms providing eco-friendly drum solutions can capture notable market share. Conventional single-use plastic barrels play a major role in industrial plastic waste. Governments and regulatory organizations (such as the EU’s Green Deal and India’s Plastic Waste Management Rules) are setting recycling targets and prohibiting non-recyclable or non-reusable packaging. Governments are introducing stricter regulations to minimize environmental impact. This has resulted in demand for eco-friendly packaging options, including recyclable steel drums and biodegradable polymer containers.

Lubricant producers are now opting for high-density polyethylene (HDPE) drums crafted from recycled plastic (rHDPE) that can be completely recycled post-use. If properly cleaned and refurbished, steel drums can be reused between 6 and 10 times. Standards like UN Performance Packaging and ISO 15750 encourage the safe reuse and recycling of steel drums.

LUBRICANTS OIL DRUMS MARKET TRENDS

Shift Towards Energy-Conserving and Environmentally Friendly Lubricants Booms as a Market Trend

There is an increasing shift towards the use of energy-efficient and eco-friendly lubricants, spurred by heightened environmental consciousness and the push for sustainable methods. This shift is motivated by the desire to lessen dependence on fossil fuels, decrease pollution, and enhance safety in the workplace, as well as adherence to regulations. The lubricant sector is undergoing notable trends such as a transition towards energy-efficient and eco-friendly lubricants, a rise in the use of bio-based lubricants, and an emphasis on enhancing lubricant performance in aspects like fuel efficiency, LSPI protection, and compatibility with materials. It thus enhances the demand for oil drums, further emerging as a market trend.

Download Free sample to learn more about this report.

Segmentation Analysis

By Product Type

Potential Benefits Offered Led to the Dominance of the Steel Drums Segment

Based on product type, the market is divided into steel drum, plastic drum, and fiber drum.

The steel drums accounted for the larger share of the market in 2024. A steel drum is widely chosen for the shipping, storage, and warehousing of both hazardous and non-hazardous materials for industries such as petroleum and lubricants. The recyclable and reusable characteristics of these drums enhance their application across different sectors. Additionally, the durability of the material guarantees exceptional protection since it is not likely to bend, rip, or break during shipping.

The plastic drums product type is the second-dominating segment. Plastic drums are perfect for the safe storage and transportation of food items and various products. Plastic raw material is resilient, which allows the drums to be easily reused if they are properly cleaned and maintained.

By Capacity

Increasing Demand from Several End-use Industries Enhanced the 100 to 250 Liters Segment’s Growth

Based on capacity, the market is divided into less than 100 liters, 100 to 250 liters, 251 to 500 liters, and above 500 liters.

The 100 to 250 liters accounted for the larger share of the market in 2024. The primary advantage of drums of this size is their durability and excellent compatibility with a broader variety of liquids. They are also used to pack laboratory chemicals and are very appropriate for keeping most of the industrial solvents. The increasing use of drums with a capacity of 100 to 250 liters in the lubricant oil industries will boost the growth of this segment.

Less than 100 liters’ capacity is the second-dominating segment. These drums offer better product protection as they are lightweight and easily stackable.

By End-use Industry

Significant Properties of the Drives the Demand in the Automotive End-use Industry

Based on the end-use industry, the market is segmented into automotive, aerospace, marine, and others.

Automotive was the dominating segment of the market in 2024. In the automotive industry, lubricants, often packaged in drums, are critical for vehicle durability, efficiency, and lower maintenance expenses. They reduce friction, disperse heat, and protect against wear, all while ensuring peak engine and component efficiency. Drums containing lubricants provide a practical and cost-effective method for storing and transporting significant volumes of fluids.

On the other hand, the aerospace segment is expected to witness steady growth in the forecast period. Lubricant drums play a crucial role in the aerospace industry by offering a reliable and efficient way for storing and transporting the desired lubricants. Such lubricants are vital for maintaining the performance, safety, as well as longevity of aircraft components. It thus boosts the demand for drums.

Lubricants Oil Drum Market Regional Outlook

By geography, the market is categorized into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Rest of the World.

Asia Pacific

To get more information on the regional analysis of this market, Download Free sample

The Asia Pacific dominates the global lubricants oil drum market share. The food and beverage industry plays a significant role in the use of industrial drums, especially for the storage and transportation of items such as edible oils, fruit concentrates, dairy products, and alcoholic beverages. The rise in global food exports and trade generates higher demand for companies to utilize storage equipment that is clean, leak-proof, and capable of withstanding various temperatures, making industrial drums the primary choice for these needs. The growing automotive sales also enhance the market growth.

• According to the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), Passenger Vehicles achieved their highest sales ever in November 2023, reaching 3.34 lakh units, though this reflected a growth rate of 3.7%.

North America

North America is the second-largest market for lubricant oil drums. Enhanced production capacities and an increase in automation across various industries have further propelled market expansion. Growth is steady, supported by the automotive sector and heavy industries, alongside strict environmental and safety regulations shaping drum designs. Forecasts suggest that the lubricant oil drum market is set for significant growth in the coming years, driven by thriving automotive and manufacturing sectors, as well as a rising focus on sustainability and environmentally friendly practices.

• The International Trade Administration states that the automotive market in the U.S. is among the largest globally. In 2022, the sales of new light vehicles in the U.S. reached 11.5 million units.

Overall, the U.S. ranks as the second-largest market for both vehicle sales and production. As reported by Autos Drive America, international car manufacturers generated 4.9 million vehicles in the U.S. in 2023.

Europe

Europe is a significant market for lubricant oil drums. Using data from sensors, AI may forecast when a drum or other piece of equipment will need repair or replacement. By reducing downtime and operating expenses, this improves efficiency and customer satisfaction. Defects or inconsistencies in drum production may be identified by AI-driven vision systems, leading to better quality products and less waste. Increased product reliability can increase consumer trust and market share.

• For instance, a study by Automation.com, a subsidiary of ISA, states that 79% of manufacturers in the U.K. expect to employ generative aluminum (GenAl) in their operations in 2024. U.K. businesses predict using AI and ML in advanced analytics at a rate of 94%, which is higher than the global average of 91%.

Rest of the World

The market in the rest of the world region is expected to witness considerable growth in the near future. These regions represent emerging markets with growing infrastructure and industrial activities, offering significant opportunities despite infrastructural and economic challenges. The lubricant oil drum market is poised for steady growth driven by expanding industrial and automotive sectors, a growing shift to synthetic and bio-based lubricants, and heightened focus on sustainability.

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

Key Industry Players

Introduction of New Products by Key Companies Resulted in Their Dominating Positions

The global lubricants oil drum market is concentrated with companies such as Greif, Inc., Mauser Packaging Solutions, Sicagen, CL Smith, Balmer Lawrie & Co. Ltd., and North Coast Container LLC, accounting for a significant market share.

Greif, Inc. is a global leader in industrial packaging solutions and products. They manufacture and distribute rigid industrial packaging, comprising steel, plastic, and fiber drums, intermediate bulk containers, and containerboard, while also offering packaging accessories and services such as filling and packaging. Greif functions in more than 35 nations, catering to a variety of sectors while emphasizing customer service and sustainability.

Mauser Packaging Solutions is an international packaging supplier delivering services and solutions throughout the complete packaging lifecycle. They focus on metal, plastic, fiber, and hybrid packaging for different sectors, such as food, beverage, personal care, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals, emphasizing sustainability. They provide services such as design, production, collection, refurbishing, repurposing, and recycling.

Additionally, Sicagen and CL Smith are among the other prominent players in the market. Focus on significant investments in the research & development of innovative products has supported the companies’ share in the market.

LIST OF KEY LUBRICANTS OIL DRUM COMPANIES PROFILED

• Greif, Inc. (U.S.)
• Mauser Packaging Solutions (U.S.)
• Sicagen (India)
• CL Smith (U.S.)
• Balmer Lawrie & Co. Ltd. (India)
• North Coast Container LLC (U.S.)
• TPL Plastech Limited (India)
• CDF Corporation (U.S.)
• Schütz GmbH & Co. KgaA (Germany)
• Emirates Plastic Industry Factory LLC (UAE)
• Shanghai Metal Corporation (China)
• Wuxi Bright Packing Co., Ltd. (China)
• Pyramid Technoplast Ltd. (India)
• Yamamoto Industries, Ltd. (Japan)
• Shree Shyam Technoplast (India)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS

• March 2023: Mauser Packaging Solutions revealed the growth of its production network in China with the launch of a new, advanced manufacturing facility close to Shanghai. The site will concentrate on existing and upcoming market requirements due to a significant increase in the need for industrial packaging
• May 2022: Carré Karton launched all-fiber drums to reduce expenses and safeguard the environment. The new drums surpass the conventional round models, which are typically created and constructed from a variety of materials, including plastic, cardboard, metal, and compressed fibers.
• April 2022: Encore Container, a prominent player in the plastic drum and IBC tote sector, revealed the expansion of its product range to cater to new clients in different markets by introducing 77-gallon plastic drums.
• October 2021: Schütz GmbH & Co KGaA, a prominent producer of premium transport packaging, disclosed the purchase of a reputable manufacturer of jerrycans and drums, GEM Plastics Limited. Through the acquisition, the firm aimed to widely enhance its product range for clients in the U.K., Ireland, and other countries.
• June 2019: Balmer Lawrie & Co. Ltd., operating under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, launched its new Industrial Packaging facility for manufacturing steel drums in Vadodara, Gujarat. The new facility was launched by Prabal Basu, chairman of Balmer Lawrie.

REPORT COVERAGE

To gain extensive insights into the market, Download for Customization

Report Scope & Segmentation