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War & Conflict2h 44m 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.
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United States, Middle East, Qatar, South Korea, Strait of Hormuz
Who
Amanda Hay, Holly Alfano, Nathan Matheson, Onur Azeri
What
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.
When
Tue, 16 Jun 2026 15:29:02 GMT · 2h 44m ago
Where
United States, Middle East, Qatar, South Korea, Strait of Hormuz ·
Why
The war in Iran has disrupted trade through the Strait of Hormuz and damaged the world's largest facility producing Group III base oil, the Shell Pearl GTL plant in Qatar, contributing to soaring motor oil prices.
The Frontline Impact
How this affects you
Consumers in the US will likely face higher prices for motor oil and potentially reduced choices, as global supply chain disruptions and damage to key production facilities lead to increased costs and shortages, notably affecting vehicle maintenance. This situation is further complicated by US refineries prioritizing diesel over less profitable base oils.
Story chain
3 events in this thread- War & Conflict1h 3m agoThe 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
- War & Conflict2h 44m agoThe cost of lubricants, particularly synthetic motor oil base oil, has more than tripled to record levels since the start of the war in Iran.Open article
- Currently Reading2h 44m agoThe 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.