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War & Conflict4h 1m ago

The cost of lubricants, particularly synthetic motor oil base oil, has more than tripled to record levels since the start of the war in Iran.

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United States, Middle East, Strait of Hormuz, Qatar, South Korea, Poolesville, Md., Sonoita, Ariz.

Who
Amanda Hay (analyst with Independent Commodity Intelligence Services), Holly Alfano (CEO of the Independent Lubricant Manufacturers Association), Nathan Matheson (owner of Nathan's Small Engine Repair and Automotive Services), Onur Azeri (manager of a specialty mechanic shop)
What
The cost of lubricants, particularly synthetic motor oil base oil, has more than tripled to record levels since the start of the war in Iran.
When
Tue, 16 Jun 2026 15:29:02 GMT · 4h 1m ago
Where
United States, Middle East, Strait of Hormuz, Qatar, South Korea, Poolesville, Md., Sonoita, Ariz. ·
Why
The war in Iran has disrupted trade through the Strait of Hormuz and led to damage at the world's largest facility producing Group III base oil, the Shell Pearl GTL plant in Qatar, which was hit by an Iranian missile in March.
The Frontline Impact

How this affects you

The rising cost of base oil, essential for synthetic motor oil, is making oil changes more expensive for U.S. drivers and impacting mechanics, with an expected continued supply squeeze and higher prices into next year due to ongoing disruptions and production choices.

Story chain

3 events in this thread
  1. War & Conflict2h 21m ago
    The price of heating oil in rural parts of Stirling has doubled following the US conflict in Iran, prompting an urgent investigation by the Competition and Markets Authority into the heating oil market.
    Open article
  2. Currently Reading4h 1m ago
    The cost of lubricants, particularly synthetic motor oil base oil, has more than tripled to record levels since the start of the war in Iran.
  3. War & Conflict4h 1m ago
    The price of the base oil used to blend widely-used synthetic motor oil has "more than tripled to record levels" since the start of the war in Iran.
    Open article

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