Costco Has Limited Synthetic Oil Purchases
The retailer restricted sales after a global shortage of base oil caused prices to rise for shops and consumers.
Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Auto Parts
Live Poll
Are you changing your vehicle maintenance habits due to rising costs for engine oil?
Costco has implemented a purchase limit of two packages of synthetic motor oil per membership every seven days. This move follows a global shortage of Group III base oils triggered by the shutdown of a major refinery in Qatar.
Why it matters
Conflict in the Persian Gulf disrupted the supply chain for base oils, which are essential for modern engines to meet fuel economy and friction standards. This shortage has forced professional shops to raise oil change prices significantly.
Professional shops report a 55-gallon drum of full synthetic oil has risen to $1,000, driving oil change prices up by 20% to 30%. At Costco, a 10-quart synthetic two-pack is priced at $57.99.
The players
Costco
Costco is a global warehouse club chain that operates hundreds of locations across the United States.
Nissan
Nissan is a major multinational automobile manufacturer that maintains a large dealer network in the United States.
The details
Refineries have prioritized the production of jet fuel and diesel over Group III base oils during periods of high demand. Consequently, manufacturers like Nissan have reduced synthetic oil allocations to dealers by 45% compared to 2025 levels.
Timeline
February 2026: Base oil prices were one-fourth of current levels.
March 2026: The Pearl GTL refinery in Qatar shut down following an attack.
October 9, 2026: The publication date of the report.
2027: Analysts expect an uptick in global base oil production.
Roadmap
The automotive industry is currently navigating a sharp contraction in synthetic lubricant availability following the 2026 Persian Gulf base oil supply chain disruption. This crisis highlights the vulnerability of high-performance engine requirements to regional refinery outages.
Drivers can expect to pay 20% to 30% more for standard oil changes at professional shops due to increased wholesale costs. Those performing their own maintenance at home should anticipate limited inventory and strict purchase caps at retail locations.
The takeaway
Vehicle owners should check their oil levels early to avoid last-minute supply issues at retail stores or inflated prices at service centers. Proactive maintenance is now essential while the industry waits for the projected increase in base oil production in 2027.
Further reading
For more information on current automotive maintenance trends, visit Auto Parts.
Source note: This article includes information reported by CarBuzz.
Live Poll
Are you changing your vehicle maintenance habits due to rising costs for engine oil?
