A potential deal between the U.S. and Iran may not be enough to prevent service-lane disruptions caused by a motor oil shortage, as concerns about running low on lubricants and other service essentials grow.
The details: Industry insiders say an end to the conflict is unlikely to provide immediate relief from global supply-chain disruptions tied to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, according to Reuters.
The conflict—particularly the fallout from an attack on a Shell plant in Qatar—has disrupted supplies of coatings and lubricants and contributed to rising lubricant prices.
Relief from the supply strain is not expected until at least mid-2027, according to the Independent Lubricant Manufacturers Association.
Why it matters: The ongoing shortage could create additional pressure on dealership service operations and require dealers to adjust inventory strategies, communicate proactively with customers, and manage longer service timelines.
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Between the lines: Automakers and industry groups are already taking steps to mitigate the impact of the strained motor oil supply chain in the U.S.
In April, Toyota dealers were instructed to temporarily substitute 20% of vehicles that normally require 0W-8 motor oil with 0W-16 and 10% of vehicles specified for 0W-16 with 0W-20.
Nissan has taken similar measures, capping allocations of Nissan Genuine Oil, including Mobil and Mobil 1 variants, at 55% of year-ago purchase volumes.
The lubricant association is also working to inform U.S. vehicle owners that oil changes are no longer needed every 3,000 to 5,000 miles because modern motor oils offer longer service intervals, according to Reuters.
Bottom line: Even if geopolitical tensions ease, supply-chain disruptions tied to motor oil and other service essentials could linger well into next year, suggesting that dealers may need to rely more heavily on product-allocation strategies and supplier relationships to maintain service-lane efficiency.
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