Costco implemented purchase limits on Kirkland Signature synthetic motor oil. The retailer nearly doubled prices due to a global supply shortage. A 10-quart package price surged from $30 to $58. Customers are now limited to two units per week.
The rationing responds to a tightening supply of Group III base oil, a critical component for synthetic lubricants. This scarcity links to Middle East disruptions. Refineries also prioritize gasoline and diesel production, which are currently more profitable amid high crude oil prices. The wholesale retailer's move affects DIY customers and signals broader pressures within the automotive supply chain.