Base-Oil Shortages Raise Trucking Lubricant Costs

Trucking fleets are seeing higher lubricant costs as Middle East supply disruptions restrict ingredients used in synthetic engine oils and some driveline products. Heavy Duty Trucking reported October 23 that the pressure is especially acute for Group III base oils, which are common in premium full-synthetic, low-viscosity formulations. The issue reaches beyond diesel prices because base-oil production, inventory, shipping and refinery economics all affect finished lubricants.

Shell told the publication that shortages are affecting production of selected engine oils and some driveline lubricants, although it did not quantify price increases. The American Petroleum Institute said Group III availability has tightened further since August. Marketers may need alternative base-oil sources when the ingredients used in an approved formulation cannot be obtained, creating concerns about continuity and certain low-viscosity products.

API extended its Emergency Provisional Licensing provisions for another 90 days beginning October 1. The program permits licensed engine-oil marketers to make temporary formulation changes when extraordinary disruptions prevent access to required raw materials. The flexibility is not a waiver of performance standards: participating companies remain subject to testing, technical review, traceability and accountability requirements before using substitutions.

The supply problem is not expected to delay first licensing for the new API CL-4 and FB-4 heavy-duty oil categories, currently scheduled for January 1, 2027. Fleets should avoid panic buying or mixing incompatible products. Maintenance teams can review approved lubricant specifications, monitor inventory, confirm substitutions with engine and lubricant suppliers and record every product used. Drivers should report low levels or unusual pressure and temperature readings promptly. Protecting uptime requires correct specifications and disciplined maintenance even when a preferred brand or formulation becomes harder to source.