All articles tagged with #motor oil
Costco’s Kirkland Signature motor oil has jumped to nearly $60 per 5-quart container, prompting purchase limits and consumer frustration. A viral TikTok video highlighted the price surge, while industry experts confirm that geopolitical conflicts are driving a broader synthetic oil shortage.
Synthetic motor oil prices have surged 20-30% since June 2026 due to supply disruptions linked to conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine. Low-viscosity oils for hybrids are scarce, forcing retailers like Costco to impose purchase limits and raise prices by up to $20 per unit. Drivers are advised to buy ahead if due for a change, while experts note modern oils last longer, reducing the need for frequent replacements.
Costco has increased the price of its Kirkland Signature full-synthetic motor oil and imposed strict weekly purchase limits in response to rising crude oil costs driven by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. The retailer is prioritizing the production of diesel and gasoline, which have higher demand and profit margins, over motor oil. This move reflects broader supply chain pressures and may prompt similar actions from competitors like Walmart and Amazon.
Costco has raised the price of its Kirkland Signature full-synthetic motor oil to $57.99 for a 10-quart pack and limited purchases to two units per member per week. This move follows a global shortage of Group III base oils, a key ingredient in synthetic lubricants, caused by disruptions in the Middle East. While refiners prioritize higher-margin gasoline and diesel, the scarcity of base oils has driven retail prices up nearly 90% from last year. The shortage is expected to persist into 2027 as damaged production facilities in the Persian Gulf take time to repair.
Costco has limited members to two 10-quart containers of Kirkland Signature full-synthetic motor oil per week, raising the price to approximately $58 from $30 a year ago. The move reflects a global shortage driven by Middle East conflicts, which have pushed Brent crude above $109 and forced refineries to prioritize higher-margin gasoline and diesel over motor oil production.
Costco has raised the price of its Kirkland Signature full-synthetic motor oil from $30 to $57.99 for a 10-quart pack and limited sales to two units per customer per week. This move reflects a broader global shortage driven by crude oil prices near $100 per barrel, refinery prioritization of fuel over lubricants, and heightened geopolitical risks in the Middle East.
Nissan is reportedly rationing its Nissan-specific 5W-30 and 0W-20 synthetic oils, slashing dealership supplies to about 70% and 55% of last year’s levels, and instructing dealers to prioritize warranty, recall, and prepaid maintenance uses. Toyota faces similar substitution guidance, as base-oil shortages threaten broader supply chains; industry groups warn Gulf-region Group III base oils could run dry by June and the shortage could persist into 2027, risking new-vehicle production.
Wholesale motor oil prices are rising quickly amid war-related supply disruptions in the Middle East, including the Strait of Hormuz closure and damage to Gulf base-oil facilities. Experts warn an imminent shortage of low-viscosity oils (such as 0W-16, 0W-20) and say relief could take up to a year. Producers have already boosted distributor prices, and industry groups are exploring mitigations, including temporary use of higher-viscosity oils or more Group II base oils, though these fixes could affect engine longevity. The government and industry are monitoring the situation, with two US lubricant plants expected to come online next year; consumers may face higher prices and tighter maintenance schedules this summer.