Motor Oil Prices Triple Due to Middle East Conflict

Volkswagen, Stellantis and Toyota are seeking to avert a looming global shortage of engine oil. The conflict in the Middle East has severely disrupted supplies of high-grade base oil, causing prices to nearly triple to around $4.000 per tonne. The carmakers are now testing new lubricant blends to absorb the impact.

In brief:

• Base oil prices rose to around $4.000 per tonne due to disruptions from the Middle East.
• Volkswagen, Stellantis and Toyota are testing alternative lubricant blends.
• Further disruptions could make oil changes more expensive and lead to longer waiting times.

Prices reach highest level in years

According to data from Argus Media, prices for Group III base oil, the high-grade variant used in modern engine oil, have nearly tripled in a short period. In both Northwest Europe and the United States, prices now stand at around $4.000 per tonne. That is the highest level seen in the available historical data, and a sharp contrast with the level of around $1.000 per tonne that was still common in early 2026.

The cause lies in disrupted supply routes as a result of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, a region that plays an important role in the production and transit of this commodity.

Carmakers seek alternatives

The three major carmakers are working on temporary solutions by testing new lubricant blends. The aim is to maintain quality standards for engine lubrication without becoming fully dependent on the scarce and expensive base oil.

If the situation worsens, this could have direct consequences for motorists. Routine oil changes threaten to become more expensive, and longer waiting times could arise at garages and maintenance services worldwide.