Costco raises Kirkland motor oil price to $57.99 amid global lubricant shortage
Costco has increased the price of its Kirkland Signature full-synthetic motor oil from around $30 to $57.99 for a 10-quart case, while also limiting purchases to two units per customer weekly due to a global lubricant shortage linked to the ongoing Middle East conflict and rising crude prices near $100/barrel. The shortage is driven by refiners prioritizing fuel production over base oil as gasoline margins remain strong. Additional costs from regulatory certifications like GM’s dexos1 Gen 3, along with stricter API standards introduced in 2020, have further strained supply and increased prices. The International Energy Agency has revised its global oil forecast downward for 2026, projecting a significant deficit. The price hike is affecting consumer economics: self-oiling at home now costs nearly as much as professional services, reducing the cost advantage once associated with DIY maintenance.
Topics: costco kirkland_signature motor_oil_shortage price_increase rationing