Car Brands Warn of 0W-8, 0W-16 Oil Shortages as Iran War Disrupts Shipping
Updated
Updated · USA TODAY · May 19
Car Brands Warn of 0W-8, 0W-16 Oil Shortages as Iran War Disrupts Shipping
6 articles · Updated · USA TODAY · May 19
Toyota and Nissan are warning dealers that shortages of low-viscosity synthetic oils could hit U.S. service departments, raising motor-oil and oil-change costs ahead of Memorial Day travel.
Strait of Hormuz attacks and port blockades tied to the Iran war have delayed Middle East base-oil shipments, squeezing supplies used to make motor oil in the United States.
0W-8 and 0W-16 grades used in newer hybrids and fuel-efficient vehicles are expected to be hit first, and automakers are telling dealers to occasionally use heavier oils for some service intervals.
AutoZone — which has more than 6,800 U.S. stores — flagged supply challenges and price adjustments, while Nissan told dealer partners a supplier-driven increase is expected soon.
The warnings extend the war's impact on U.S. drivers beyond gasoline, with routine maintenance costs now poised to rise as summer driving demand picks up.
With the right motor oil gone, will automakers approve alternatives that could damage your engine?
The Mideast war is over, so why are critical supply shortages in the U.S. just beginning?
Could the Mideast oil war now trigger a 'digital catastrophe' by targeting undersea internet cables?
Global Motor Oil Shortage 2026: Surging Prices, Supply Chain Disruptions, and the Shift Toward Electric Vehicles
Overview
The motor oil market is facing major disruption, with prices rising sharply and shortages of key lubricant products, especially low-viscosity oils. This crisis is driven by the ongoing conflict in Iran, which has damaged vital supply facilities and limited crude oil flows. With 44% of refineries located in the Middle East, the reduced crude supply is being prioritized for diesel, making motor oil even scarcer. As a result, major brands are warning retailers of empty shelves, and supply chain players are focusing more on availability than price. Demand now far exceeds supply, signaling a challenging period ahead for drivers and the industry.