Car makers test new energy sources

Global automotive manufacturers, including Volkswagen, Stellantis, and Toyota, faced a severe shortage of engine oils due to the conflict in the Middle East, which has led to disputes at oil refining facilities and supply shortages in the region. The United States and Europe depended heavily on importing these oils from the Middle East, but as stocks ran out, companies resorted to using alternative lubricants and blending materials, despite limited supplies and the potential for future disruptions. The shortage caused a surge in the prices of basic oils, rising to nearly three times their pre-war levels, which increases the costs of oil changes and leads to delays and higher maintenance expenses for vehicles. Despite efforts by companies to secure alternative supplies and continuously evaluate new sources, the crisis remains ongoing, with expectations that it will persist even after the opening of the Strait of Hormuz—an event that may not bring new shipments before October.

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