Our History
A century in the making
Gulf has a rich history of excellence spanning over a century. From our founding in 1901 to our first branded petrol station in 1913, all the way to our latest partnerships and innovations, our success has come from our unfailing passion, performance and commitment to everything we do. It’s at the heart of our relationships with our customers and partners.
Discovery
Founded in Texas, selling gasoline in containers
Deep dive
Gulf launches the world’s first-ever water drilling operation
Fill it up
Gulf introduces the first drive-through fuel station
Hello Gulf!
Gulf’s orange disc logo makes its first appearance
In business
Gulf purchases the Barco oil concession
Bye bye Barco
Gulf sells the Barco oil concession to Texaco
Hola Venezuela
Gulf establishes a presence in the oil fields of Venezuela
Birth of iconic cool
Gulf debuts the light blue and orange racing colours
New heights
Gulf reaches peak production, processing 1.3m barrels daily
The Man in Le Mans
Gulf features prominently in Steve McQueen’s “Le Mans” film
Victory
Gulf branded Mirage GR8-Ford Cosworth wins 24 Hours of Le Mans
Hinduja Group
Gulf is acquired by the Hinduja Group
Hello Middle East
Gulf Oil Middle East blending plant begins production in Jebel Ali, UAE
Hello India
Gulf Oil Lubricants India blending plant begins production in Silvassa
Hello Philippines
Gulf Oil Philippines blending plant begins production in Manila
Hello Argentina
Gulf Oil Argentina blending plant begins production in Buenos Aires
Trademarked
Gulf becomes the first oil company in history to trademark its racing colours
Gulf enters China
Gulf Oil China blending plant begins production in Yantai
Right on time
Gulf enters a partnership with Tag Heuer
Find out more about our partnership with TAG Heuer.
Water world
Gulf Oil Marine is established, servicing more than 400 ports worldwide
Sky high
Gulf Aviation UK is established
Record breaking
Gulf SUPERFLEET LE Max becomes India’s first engine oil with a drain interval of 40,000 km
Cricket’s finest
Gulf Oil becomes the associate sponsor of the iconic IPL team, Chennai Super Kings
Welcome to Houghton
Gulf acquires the world’s largest metalworking fluids manufacturer, US-based Houghton International
Time to invest
Gulf is listed on BSE, India's premier stock exchange
Gulf enters Malta
Gulf Oil Supply Company is formed and begins operating in Malta
Bigger is better
Gulf Oil Marine sells 50 million litres annually
Award-winning
Gulf wins the Downstream Company of the Year award
A championship team
Gulf partners with the legendary football club Manchester United
Exploring new horizons
Gulf Gas and Power launch in the Netherlands
Massive achievement
Gulf Oil Marine sells 100 million litres per annum and global port coverage crosses 1,000
Hello Singapore
Gulf Oil South East Asia begins operating in Singapore
Need for speed
Gulf finishes 5th in the GTE AM class of the 84th 24hrs of Le Mans
McLaren joins the team
Gulf hits the road as a strategic partner of McLaren Racing and McLaren Automotive
#SingaporeStrong
Gulf expands its Singapore operations by acquiring a lubricant blending plant, a storage tank farm and a terminal facility
MAN Energy Solutions Approved!
Gulf Oil Marine is the first lubricant company to obtain an NOL from MAN for its CAT II 40BN Cylinder Oil: GulfSea Cylcare XP 5040X