The war with Iran is making oil changes pricier. And a deal won’t solve it

The ongoing conflict with Iran has significantly increased the cost of group III base oil, a key component in synthetic motor oil, by 175%. This surge is due to disruptions in supply chains, particularly from the Middle East, which supplies over 45% of the U.S.’s imports of this oil. The situation worsened when an Iranian missile damaged the Shell Pearl GTL plant in Qatar, a major producer of group III base oil. As a result, oil changes may become more expensive, affecting everyday vehicle maintenance. The U.S. relies heavily on imports for this type of oil, and while South Korea is another supplier, it too depends on Middle Eastern crude. This highlights the vulnerability of global supply chains and the impact of geopolitical tensions on everyday products. QUESTION: How might the rising cost of motor oil influence the way people maintain their vehicles or choose new ones in the future?