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Global Lubricant Crisis Forces VW, Toyota to Rework Engine Oil Formulas Amid Base Oil Shortage

A severe global shortage of Group III base oils has forced major retailers, including Costco, to ration synthetic motor oil and nearly double prices. The supply chain crisis, driven by Middle East conflict and damaged production facilities, is now directly impacting consumer vehicle maintenance.

Factlen Newsroom· Updated

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Major retailers have implemented strict purchase limits on synthetic motor oil as a global supply chain crisis constricts inventory.From: Costco Rations Motor Oil as Global Lubricant Shortage Reaches Retail Shelves

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Key numbers

$4,000/tonne
Group III base oil price (Europe/US)
$25/gal
Wholesale cost of 0W-20 synthetic (up from $10)
44%
US Group III supply from the Middle East
$130–$150
New standard cost for synthetic oil changes

From: Global Lubricant Crisis Forces VW, Toyota to Rework Engine Oil Formulas Amid Base Oil Shortage

Charts, maps and images

Group III base oil prices have nearly quadrupled since February, driving up the cost of synthetic lubricants.From: Costco Rations Motor Oil as Global Lubricant Shortage Reaches Retail Shelves ·
Wholesale lubricant costs have surged as the supply of high-grade base oils tightens.From: Global Lubricant Crisis Forces VW, Toyota to Rework Engine Oil Formulas Amid Base Oil Shortage ·
The US relies heavily on Middle Eastern refineries for the Group III base oils required in modern synthetic lubricants.From: Global Lubricant Crisis Forces VW, Toyota to Rework Engine Oil Formulas Amid Base Oil Shortage ·
Independent service centers are facing intermittent stockouts of the low-viscosity synthetic oils required by modern engines.From: Costco Rations Motor Oil as Global Lubricant Shortage Reaches Retail Shelves ·

Timeline

September 2026

  1. Costco Rations Motor Oil as Global Lubricant Shortage Reaches Retail Shelves

August 2026

  1. Global Lubricant Crisis Forces VW, Toyota to Rework Engine Oil Formulas Amid Base Oil Shortage