World’s largest carmakers seek to avert motor oil crisis

Shortage of Group III base oils prompts auto manufacturers to turn to new blends

Carmakers including Volkswagen, Stellantis and Toyota are turning to new blends of motor oil and lubricants to ease a serious supply shortage caused by the Middle East conflict.

[2026-08-16] Financial Times (London) — After getting through the early months of the war, carmakers have now run out of inventories of high-quality base oils for engine oil that the US and Europe had largely sourced from the Middle East.

They have since found alternative lubricant manufacturers but industry executives warn that those supplies remain tight and vulnerable to any fresh shock.

For car drivers globally, any further shortage will make their routine oil changes — a procedure critical to prevent engines from malfunctioning — more expensive and prone to delays.

Prices of Group III base oils have almost trebled compared with prewar levels, at about $4,000 per tonne in Europe and the US.

“Alternative suppliers also have limited volumes, and any renewed shipping disruption, refinery outage or other supply shock could rapidly worsen the situation,” said Holly Alfano, chief executive of the Independent Lubricant Manufacturers Association.

“The industry continues to operate with little margin for error,” she added.

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