Costco Restricts Motor Oil Purchases Amid Rising Prices Due to Supply Constraints
Warehouse retailer Costco has limited motor oil purchases for members, restricting Kirkland Signature full synthetic motor oil to two units per week and raising the price from around $30 to $57.99. Mobil 1 is also capped at five units with a higher cost of $43.99 for six one-quart bottles. The move reflects broader supply constraints in crude oil markets, driven by ongoing conflict in the Middle East and Saudi Arabia's closure of its key East-West pipeline following drone attacks. Rising global benchmark prices like Brent Crude ($105.68/barrel) and West Texas Intermediate (WTI; $101.39/barrel) have intensified supply pressures, with refineries prioritizing gasoline and diesel production over motor oil components. This has led to tighter availability of synthetic base oils used in motor lubricants, contributing to higher retail prices for consumers.
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