Second Automaker Raises Concern About Decreasing Motor Oil Supplies [UPDATE]

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      On Wednesday, we covered a service bulletin reportedly sent to Toyota service departments detailing how to ration motor oil due to an expected shortage. By Thursday, a source provided us with a similar bulletin from Nissan in preparation for a comparable supply issue—and an accompanying increase in prices for service departments.

      A spokesperson from Nissan confirmed the bulletin's authenticity to The Drive, stating that while the bulletin is genuine, it has not yet been circulated to Nissan’s dealer network.

      “Nissan is actively monitoring the current oil supply constraints in collaboration with our supplier partners,” the spokesperson mentioned in an email statement. “We are wholly dedicated to supporting our dealers and ensuring a high standard of service for our customers.”

      The bulletin is just one page long but includes a draft of customer communication points. Interestingly, the section explaining “why” emphasizes that the supply shortage is impacting all car manufacturers, not just Nissan.

      “We are reaching out to provide an important update regarding the availability of engine oil products within the Nissan network in the U.S.,” the bulletin states.

      “Due to ongoing global supply constraints affecting essential raw materials and refining inputs arising from the Middle East Conflict, we have been informed of reduced production capacity for most lubricant products. Consequently, Nissan will make the following adjustments, effective May 1, 2026.”

      “– Allocation of Nissan Genuine Oil (including Mobil and Mobil 1 variants) will be restricted and managed at a 55% YoY level based on gallons purchased. – Bulk and Packaged Genuine Nissan oil supply will be limited to 55% of previous year volumes on a year-over-year basis.” (All emphasis original.)

      The bulletin also refers to a “supplier-driven price adjustment” of an unspecified amount but notes that dealers are not obligated to accept Nissan’s supplier rate for bulk oil; they are free to source it elsewhere. However, any authorized service must utilize a Nissan-approved lubricant, which doesn’t necessarily have to be sourced from Nissan.

      As the May 1st deadline has passed without Nissan disseminating the memo, it suggests that the situation may not yet be dire. Nonetheless, the possibility of a 45% reduction in supply compared to a year ago is concerning.

      Nissan bulletin and FAQ as provided by an online source.

      Nowadays, many engines need either synthetic or at least partially synthetic (blended) motor oil. Given that the current global tensions primarily revolve around traditional crude oil, it may seem strange at first that this shortage would affect motor oils. So, what’s the underlying issue? In a word, base stock.

      Yes, that’s technically two words, though you might see it written as one. Whether referred to as basestock or base stock, it essentially describes what it is. Here’s a brief explanation from ExxonMobil, a small oil business:

      “Base stocks are the fundamental components of lubricants and greases. A base stock is a single lubricant component produced by a single manufacturer,” the company states. “ExxonMobil produces and supplies them, while oil marketers or formulators blend them to create the finished products.”

      In essence, if motor oil is like a soup, the base stock is the broth. Interestingly, “synthetic” base stock isn't always artificially created. Depending on where you purchase it, your “synthetic” oil may not actually be very synthetic. It simply needs to meet the criteria allowing it to be classified as such in that location. Again, ExxonMobil elaborates:

      “There is no universally accepted definition of a synthetic base stock or synthetic base oil. In the U.S., the government views “synthetic” as a marketing term characterizing the formulated lubricant, whereas in Germany, synthetic base stocks are legally defined as polyalphaolefins or esters.”

      “Many oil marketers regard lubricants made with substantial concentrations of Group IV and/or Group III base stocks as synthetic. Most Group III base stocks are refined from crude oil streams.” (Emphasis added.)

      The logical response would be for motor oil manufacturers to revert to a synthetic base stock, but while this might alleviate the shortage, it may not be cost-effective. If traditional crude oil was being refined for use as a “synthetic” base previously, there’s a good chance it was cheaper than anything artificially produced. This doesn’t bode well for summer travel plans. If you’re due for an oil change, it might be wise to act quickly.

      Update 5/14/2026, 8:20pm ET: This story has been updated to include a revised statement from Nissan and clarify details regarding the bulletin itself.

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