How technical oil audits help enterprises reduce costs and improve efficiency

Modern industrial enterprises and transport companies in Uzbekistan face the same challenges: high costs of fuel and spare parts, rapid equipment wear, frequent downtime, and the need to comply with new environmental requirements.

According to the State Committee on Statistics, operating costs of machinery in industry and agriculture have increased by more than 30% over the past five years, with a significant portion of expenses going specifically to maintenance and repairs.

Under these conditions, a technical audit of lubricants becomes a tool that helps businesses not only save money but also operate more efficiently.

A technical audit is a comprehensive service that includes:

• Data collection and analysis: studying documentation and equipment operating parameters.
• On-site inspection by specialists: taking readings and analyzing operating conditions.
• Lubrication map of the enterprise or vehicle fleet: a detailed description of which oils are used where, taking into account volumes, intervals, and specific features.
• Laboratory analysis of oils: determining the condition of current lubricants (physicochemical properties, contamination, remaining service life).
• Selection of equivalents: finding optimal products on the Uzbek market, including Shell oils and Donaldson filters.
• Recommendations and staff training: practical guidance on operation and transitioning to modern products.

Many enterprises use dozens of types of oils and lubricants. Without a system, this leads to chaos: duplicate purchases, employees using unsuitable products, and rising costs.

The lubrication map of the enterprise solves these problems. It shows:

• which product to use for each unit;
• in what quantity and at what intervals;
• where the range can be standardized and inventory reduced.

In practice, implementing a lubrication map makes it possible to reduce oil purchases by 10–15% and maintenance costs by up to 20%.

Laboratory oil analysis is one of the most in-demand services.

In the laboratory, the following are tested:

• viscosity at different temperatures;
• acid number and alkaline reserve;
• metal content (spectral analysis);
• contamination levels (soot, dust, water).

The analysis results make it possible to determine whether the oil can continue to be used or needs to be replaced. For example, for Uzbekistan’s energy enterprises, extending the replacement interval of turbine oils by just 500 operating hours provides annual savings of millions of soums.

Cost reduction
The audit makes it possible to identify where oils are consumed excessively or where unsuitable products are used. At enterprises with a fleet of 50 or more units, savings can amount to up to 100–150 thousand dollars per year.

Increased equipment lifespan
Clean oils and proper lubrication reduce wear on bearings, cylinders, and hydraulic systems. This extends the service life of components by 20–30%.

Reduced downtime
Breakdowns are one of the largest sources of losses. According to estimates, in Uzbekistan’s mining industry, one hour of downtime of a haul truck can cost $5,000–7,000. Timely oil audits help minimize such downtime.

Compliance with environmental requirements
The new technical regulation on lubricants (2025) has tightened requirements for the quality and disposal of used oils. The audit helps organize processes so that the enterprise complies with the law and reduces CO₂ emissions.

Agriculture (Fergana Region)
A farming enterprise with a fleet of 80 tractors and combines commissioned an audit. Result: reduction of the oil range from 12 to 6 items, a 12% decrease in procurement costs, and a 20% increase in the service life of hydraulic systems.

Construction company (Tashkent)
A company with 40 units of equipment received a lubrication map and recommendations to switch to Shell Rimula oils and Shell Tellus hydraulic fluids. Result: an increase of 250 engine hours in the service interval and annual savings of about $50,000.

Energy (Navoi Region)
At a gas turbine power plant, an oil audit revealed the possibility of extending oil operation by another 700 hours without risk to the equipment. Savings amounted to about 300 million soums through reduced procurement and maintenance.

Original products are not always available in the required volume and at an acceptable price. That is why the service of selecting equivalents is important.

Our specialists compare the properties of oils (viscosity, OEM approvals, TBN/VI indicators) and offer alternatives available on the Uzbek market. This allows clients to continue operations without compromising quality or risking equipment.

We offer a full range of services:

• Technical audit of lubricants for enterprises in all industries.
• Preparation of lubrication maps for enterprises and vehicle fleets.
• Laboratory oil analysis in Uzbekistan with detailed interpretation.
• Selection of oil and filter equivalents.
• Staff training and consulting.
• Solutions for the disposal of used oils and fluids.

Amid rising maintenance costs and growing competition in Central Asian markets, enterprises need to look for new ways to optimize.

A technical audit of lubricants is not just a service but a strategic tool that allows you to:

• reduce costs;
• increase equipment reliability;
• minimize downtime;
• comply with modern environmental requirements.

OilGroup Uzbekistan™ has experience working with large enterprises in logistics, agriculture, construction, energy, and mining. Our solutions are based on Shell products and Donaldson filters, providing clients with international quality and proven efficiency.