Global shortage has led to motor oil rationing at Costco
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Costco rations motor oil as global shortage drives prices up sharply.
Costco has raised the price of a 10-quart case of Kirkland Signature full-synthetic motor oil to $57.99, up from mid-$30s, and introduced a purchase limit of two cases per member every seven days. The shortage stems from tightening lubricant supply and the increasing complexity and cost of producing oil that meets modern engine standards (e.g., dexos1 Gen 3, API/ILSAC). Base oil supply is also pressured by refiners prioritizing transportation fuels. Mobil 1 purchases are restricted to five cases per member.
What commenters are saying
Commenters generally acknowledged the shortage and price increase. Many discussed which vehicles require 10+ quarts per change-primarily large V8s, diesel trucks (e.g., Ram 2500 with 5.9L Cummins takes 12 quarts), and some luxury V8s (BMW, Mercedes) and air-cooled Porsches. A pro-tip referenced a Twitter/X user who claimed advance knowledge of the shortage because he was "Chevron's largest passenger vehicle lubricant purchaser." Some admitted to panic-buying supplies, while others criticized this as worsening the problem, akin to toilet paper hoarding.