Middle East and Africa Rail Greases Market is expected to reach US$ 39.93 Mn by 2027

Railway Vehicle Elements Segment to Dominate MEA Rail Greases Market during 2019–2027

According to a new market research study on “MEA Rail Greases Market Forecast to 2027 – COVID-19 Impact and Analysis – by Product Type (Lithium Grease, Calcium Grease, and Other Grease), Application (Railway Vehicle Elements, Railway Track Elements, Switches and Fish Plates, Curve Rails, and Screw and Bolts), and Distribution Channel (Offline and Online),” is expected to reach US$ 39.93 million by 2027 from US$ 34.11 million in 2018 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 1.9%  from 2019 to 2027. The report provides trends prevailing in the MEA rail greases market along with the drivers and restraints pertaining to the market growth.

Grease is solid or semi-solid lubricating oil. It usually comprises mineral oil and thickeners such as calcium-based soap and lithium-based soaps. Greases may also contain additional lubricating particles, such as molybdenum disulfide, graphite, or polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). Different types of greases combine the lubricating properties of oils with added stickiness, which allows the lubricant to adhere to the surfaces better. Grease possesses characteristic feature such as high initial viscosity, which make it frictional. For rails, greases can be used in mechanisms where lubrication is required frequently and where lubricating oil does not stay for long. Greases act as a sealant to avert ingress of water and incompressible materials. Grease is also being used for maintenance of various rail elements such as railway axles & wheels, bearings & chains, brake elements, interior components, pantographs and railway track components, as it prevents entry of contaminants or loss of lubricant. Use of rail greases in maintenance activities of different railway parts is the major factor driving the growth of the MEA rail greases market. The MEA region consists of fourteen middle and low-income countries or territories, from Iran to Morocco. The region holds a population of nearly 296 Million people, and over 120 Million of whom are living in rural areas. The remaining 84 Million population is totally reliant on the agriculture sector, including livestock and fishing, which contributes rigorous transit growth in the region. Precious stones and resources together with other metal such as manganese, gold, and chromate are also increasing regions transportation activities, which intern increasing demand for rail greases market. However, stringent regulations for the production and usage of lubricating oils hinder the growth of MEA rail greases market.

The MEA rail greases market is segmented into product type, application, distribution channel, and country. Based on product type, the market is segmented into lithium grease, calcium grease and other grease. The lithium grease segment dominated the MEA rail greases and is expected to grow at fastest growth rate during the forecast period of 2019-2027. In terms of application the rail greases market is divided into railway vehicle elements, railway track elements, switches and fish plates, curve rails, screw and bolts. The railway vehicle elements segment dominated the MEA rail greases market whereas the curve rails segment is expected to grow at fastest growth rate during the forecast period based on the application. On the basis of distribution channel the market is segmented into offline, online. The offline segment accounted for the largest market share in the MEA rail greases market during 2019–2027 whereas the online segment is expected to grow at fastest growth rate during the forecast period of 2019-2027. Companies operating in the rail grease market have optimized their distribution strategy over the past few years. To target and reach a large number of customers in the market, the companies are adopting online distributing channels along with their traditional offline distribution channels in response to the emerging influence of digitalization on the business environment. Online distribution channels help companies to easily reach the target consumers without adding additional costs and expenses.

COVID-19 has affected economies and industries in various countries due to lockdowns, travel bans, and business shutdowns. Saudi Arabia has the largest COVID-19 cases in the MEA region, and is followed by South Africa and UAE, among others. UAE was the first country in MEA to report a confirmed case of coronavirus. This is likely to impact the rail transport in the country as, due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the supply and distribution chain is likely to get affected. In addition, the overall manufacturing processes, research, and development activities will also impact market growth.

Royal Dutch Shell Plc, Exxon Mobil Corporation, Total SA, Petroliam Nasional Berhad (Petronas), FUCHS, SKF Group, Chevron Corporation, Klüber Lubrication and Sinopec Corp. are among the leading companies in the MEA rail greases market. The companies are focused on adopting organic growth strategies such as product launches and expansions to sustain their position in the dynamic market. For instance, Klϋber Lubrication introduced Klüberrail AE 62-21, an environmentally compatible and fully synthetic grease for stationary rail flank lubrication systems. Klüberrail AE 62-21 is an easily pumpable grease that adheres well to rails and flanks while reducing friction value.

MEA Rail Greases Market, By Country, 2018 and 2027 (%)

The report segments the MEA rail greases market as follows:

By Product Type

• Lithium Grease
• Calcium Grease
• Other Grease

By Application

• Railway Vehicle Elements
• Railway Track Elements
• Switches and Fish Plates
• Curve Rails
• Screw and Bolts

By Distribution Channel

• Offline
• Online

By Country

• South Africa
• Saudi Arabia
• UAE
• Rest of MEA