As The Oil Shortage Bites, Nissan Tells Dealers Which Customers Get Priority
Carscoops • • business
Key Points:
- The motor oil crisis in the U.S. is worsening, with automakers like Nissan rationing specially formulated synthetic oils and reducing dealership supplies significantly compared to last year.
- Nissan is prioritizing the use of limited motor oil supplies for warranty, recall repairs, and prepaid maintenance, potentially limiting availability for regular oil changes.
- Toyota has also warned dealers about shortages of certain synthetic oils, encouraging motor oil substitutions due to supply constraints from suppliers like ExxonMobil.
- The U.S. imports nearly half of Group III base oils used in synthetic motor oils, with an expected shortage from the Gulf region by June, potentially lasting until mid-2027 and threatening new vehicle production.
- Industry leaders report panic buying and inflated prices for motor oil, with increased costs likely to be passed on to consumers.