Nissan Confirms 55% Oil Allocation Draft, Says Bulletin Was Not Sent to Dealers

1 articles · Updated · The Drive · May 14

Nissan said a motor-oil rationing bulletin outlining allocations at 55% of year-earlier volumes was authentic but had not been distributed to its U.S. dealer network.
The draft memo tied the potential curbs to global supply constraints in key raw materials and refining inputs linked to the Middle East conflict, and also flagged a supplier-driven price increase.
Under the plan, Nissan Genuine Oil—including Mobil and Mobil 1 variants—would be managed at 55% year over year, though dealers could still source bulk oil elsewhere if it met Nissan approval.
Because the memo's stated May 1 effective date passed without distribution, the shortage does not appear to have reached that stage yet, even as Nissan says it is monitoring supply conditions with suppliers.
The episode points to a broader industry lubricant squeeze, with base stocks—often still refined from crude even in some 'synthetic' oils—emerging as a pressure point.

With a 45% cut in official motor oil, how can drivers protect their car warranties from the supply chain crisis?

Beyond the gas pump, how will a critical lubricant shortage threaten to paralyze key sectors of the U.S. economy?

Your 'synthetic' oil relies on Middle East crude. What does this crisis reveal about the fragility of modern technology?