Gandhar Oil Refinery, a company specializing in the refinement and production of specialty oils and lubricants, experienced a notable boost in its stock market performance on Monday. The company’s share price saw a substantial increase of 6 per cent, a movement that was directly linked to a significant announcement regarding one of its subsidiary companies.
The subsidiary in question, Texol Lubritech FZC, had just secured a major contract with the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, commonly known as ADNOC. This contract represents a considerable business opportunity for Gandhar Oil Refinery and its subsidiary, as it involves a comprehensive range of services to be provided to ADNOC Distribution.
The specifics of the contract are quite extensive. Texol Lubritech FZC will be responsible for multiple aspects of product delivery, including the manufacturing process, packaging operations, labeling procedures, and the supply chain management for ADNOC Distribution. This arrangement is structured as a contract-based agreement, indicating a formalized business relationship between the two entities.
The duration of this contract is set for a three-year period, commencing in 2024 and extending through to 2026. The financial implications of this deal are substantial, with an estimated annual value of USD 45 million. When converted to Indian Rupees, this equates to approximately INR 375 crore per year, highlighting the significant monetary value of this business arrangement.
In terms of production volume, the contract stipulates an average annual output of 30 million litres throughout its three-year span. This consistent volume requirement provides a stable production target for Texol Lubritech FZC. The pricing mechanism for this contract is not fixed but instead follows a predefined formula, allowing for potential adjustments based on market conditions or other relevant factors.
Gandhar Oil Refinery’s core business activities revolve around the refinement and production of a diverse range of specialty oils and lubricants. Their product portfolio includes liquid paraffin, various types of greases, automotive lubricants designed for vehicle maintenance, petroleum jelly often used in cosmetic and pharmaceutical applications, and rubber processing oils crucial for the rubber industry.
The company’s journey in the public stock market began relatively recently. Gandhar Oil Refinery made its debut on the stock exchange in November 2023 through an Initial Public Offering (IPO). The IPO was priced at INR 169 per share, setting the initial valuation for public investors. Upon its first day of trading, the stock demonstrated remarkable performance, opening at a significant premium of 76 per cent above its IPO price, reaching INR 298 per share.
Following this strong debut, the stock continued to show positive momentum, eventually reaching an all-time high of INR 344 per share. However, after achieving this peak, the stock experienced a period of decline, retreating from these record levels. As of the most recent data, the stock was trading at a level approximately 35 per cent below its highest recorded price.
The latest trading session saw Gandhar Oil Refinery’s shares close at INR 221, representing a daily increase of 5.8 per cent. This uptick can be attributed to the positive news regarding the ADNOC contract. It’s important to note that despite this recent gain, the stock has faced some challenges in the broader context of 2024. Since the beginning of the year, Gandhar Oil Refinery’s stock has experienced a decline of 20 per cent, a significant decrease that reflects ongoing market pressures or investor concerns.
The current trading price of INR 221 is below the stock’s IPO listing price of INR 298. This indicates that while the stock initially performed well above expectations, it has since retreated to levels below its debut price, presenting a mixed picture for investors who participated in the IPO or purchased shares shortly after the company went public.