Overview
- Costco raised the price of its Kirkland Signature full‑synthetic 10‑quart two‑pack to $57.99 and limited sales to two boxes per member per week, with a separate five‑per‑member cap on Mobil 1, actions reported on Monday by multiple outlets.
- Retail rationing follows a global shortage of premium Group III base oils, the refined feedstock used to make most full‑synthetic and low‑viscosity motor oils, that has reduced blender inventories and pushed finished lubricants’ costs higher.
- The squeeze has been worsened by Middle East production damage and export disruptions this year that knocked offline significant Group III output and drew down global oil inventories, the International Energy Agency and industry groups say.
- Rising crude and diesel prices have given refiners a stronger financial incentive to turn barrels into gasoline and diesel instead of base oils, which has further cut the supply of material needed for synthetic motor oil.
- Consumers can expect higher retail motor‑oil prices, tighter in‑store availability, and higher oil‑change costs now, and industry groups warn relief is unlikely until damaged plants are repaired and new U.S. Group III capacity starts coming online in 2027.