Second Automaker Raises Concerns About Decreasing Motor Oil Supply [UPDATE]

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      On Wednesday, we shared information about a service bulletin reportedly issued to Toyota service centers, instructing them on how to manage motor oil supplies amid an expected shortage. The following day, a source provided us with a similar bulletin from Nissan, prepared due to the anticipated supply issues and potential price increases for service centers.

      A spokesperson from Nissan confirmed to The Drive that while the bulletin is genuine, it has not yet been sent out to their dealer network.

      “Nissan is diligently monitoring the current oil supply limitations in partnership with our suppliers,” the spokesperson stated via email. “We are fully committed to assisting our dealers and ensuring a high quality of service for our clients.”

      The bulletin comprises a single page with an outline of points for customer communication. It notably explains that the supply shortage is impacting all automakers, not just Nissan.

      “We are providing a significant update on the availability of engine oil products within the Nissan network in the U.S.,” the bulletin states.

      “Due to ongoing global supply limitations affecting essential raw materials and refining inputs stemming from the Middle East conflict, we have been informed of diminished production capacity for most lubricant products. Consequently, Nissan will enforce the following changes, effective May 1, 2026.”

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

      The bulletin also references a “supplier-driven price adjustment” of an unspecified amount, but indicates that dealers are not obliged to buy bulk oil at Nissan’s supplier rates; they may procure it from other sources. However, every authorized service must be conducted using a Nissan-approved lubricant, which need not be directly sourced from Nissan.

      Given that the May 1 deadline has already passed without Nissan distributing the memo, it suggests that the situation isn’t yet critical. Nonetheless, the prospect of a 45% reduction in supply compared to last year is noteworthy.

      This bulletin and accompanying FAQ were shared with us by an anonymous online tipster.

      Presently, many engines require synthetic or at least partially synthetic (blended) motor oil. Considering the current geopolitical issues revolve around traditional, crude oil, it might seem surprising that this shortage would affect motor oils. So what’s the explanation? In simple terms, base stock.

      Although that’s two words, it is sometimes seen as one. Whether referred to as basestock or base stock, it is essentially what it sounds like. Here’s a succinct explanation from ExxonMobil, a well-known oil company:

      “Base stocks are the fundamental components of lubricants and greases. A base stock is an individual lubricant element created by a single manufacturer,” the company explains. “ExxonMobil produces and supplies them, and oil marketers or formulators blend them to create the final products.”

      In essence, if motor oil is likened to soup, the base stock is the broth. Interestingly, the “synthetic” base stock isn’t always entirely synthesized. Depending on the source, your “synthetic” oil may not be as synthetic as it seems—it only needs to meet the qualifications for the market where it is sold. Once again, ExxonMobil elaborates:

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

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

      A logical resolution would be for motor oil manufacturers to revert to using a synthetic base stock, but this solution may not lead to savings. If traditional crude oil was already being refined for use as a “synthetic” base, it was likely more economical than any artificially created alternative. This could pose challenges for summer travel plans. If you're due for an oil change, it may be wise not to delay.

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

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