There is a growing concern about the availability of high quality motor oils for automobiles in Russia, reported by mainstream outlets citing a letter from the National Automobile Association addressed to Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin. The document highlights a supply problem tied to the shortage of essential additives required for producing modern lubricants. Before sanctions, Russia sourced about six tenths of its additive needs from imports, with the most specialized additives relying on foreign suppliers at levels as high as nine in ten. This dependence created vulnerability, and now the country is seeking new domestic channels to acquire these materials. The transition is proving challenging because newly formed supply chains do not always operate smoothly or maintain stability under changing conditions.
The correspondence draws attention to a current gap in the availability of synthetic motor oils based on polyalphaolefins and ester chemistries that meet contemporary performance standards. This gap affects especially heavy commercial vehicle operators, who rely on advanced lubricants to keep fleets efficient and safe on demanding routes. While Russia continues to produce a broad range of oils, many of them are older formulations that may not deliver the efficiency, longevity, or low-temperature performance demanded by today’s engines. The development of high tech additive manufacturing within the country has not kept pace with needs for modern engine oils, contributing to the broader supply constraint.
As a corrective measure, the National Automobile Association has proposed policy adjustments aimed at stabilizing production and ensuring long term access to critical base oils and additives. One suggestion is to exempt domestic refineries capable of guaranteeing steady production of essential products from profit taxes, thereby improving their competitiveness. Another is to implement subsidies to support the petrochemical sector, strengthening downstream oil processing and lubricant supply chains. These steps would help Russia reduce reliance on imports for high performance lubricants while preserving industrial jobs and supporting related sectors.
The situation has also touched pricing dynamics. Reports indicate that the cost of original motor oils for several Chinese brands available in the Russian market, including Haval and Changan, has risen notably within the past year. Traders and buyers are monitoring price volatility and supply risk as global developments and regional policy responses interact with domestic manufacturing capacity. Financial authorities have recently signaled potential changes to monetary policy that could influence credit conditions and industrial investment in the broader energy and chemical sectors, though specifics remain under consideration. Overall, the oil and lubricants landscape in Russia is at a crossroads, with the outcome depending on whether policy reforms can stimulate domestic additive production, stabilize supply chains, and encourage cleaner, more efficient lubricant formulations that meet international standards. [Source attribution: National Automobile Association correspondence and market reports]