The rising cost of motor oils is causing concern among drivers
The increasing price of motor oils and the shrinking supply has many in the automotive community worried. Some sellers are waiting for competitors to run out of oil before they raise prices further, creating a ripple effect that pushes costs higher for service shops and individual car owners alike.
To illustrate, a friendly service that specializes in maintenance and repair of German cars recently had to purchase a large oil barrel. The price spike was dramatic, moving from a previous cost of about 200 thousand rubles to around a million rubles for 208 liters. In another shop, the current price for a standard barrel is about 147 thousand rubles, up from roughly 83 thousand rubles.
One reader reported that changing the oil for a VW Touareg now costs as much as 150,000 rubles, underscoring how high costs have become for routine maintenance.
There are signs that oil sourcing from wholesalers and suppliers has begun to resume, yet some products remain overdue and uncertain about when they will hit shelves. The exact timing is hard to predict.
To understand the market shifts and what might come next, a specialist was consulted for insight.
Oleg Zemtsov, Director of Handelshuis Behind the Wheel, explained that many oil suppliers have halted shipments due to confusion about pricing and the future availability of oils in the market. Since late February, the price of oils has surged significantly, driven by increases in both domestic and international supply chains. European oils have shown the largest price jumps, while some affordable options from Asian producers have also increased. The additives used in many oils are largely sourced from Europe, which impacts the price of domestic products as well.
Looking ahead over the next two to three months, Zemtsov predicted a market that is being restructured. Several brands may exit the market, while others will trim their product lines and reformulate offerings. A continued price rise is likely. Domestic oils could shift to different additives, with a preference for those from Asian manufacturers, which could bring new cost dynamics and logistics considerations. Whether one likes it or not, raw materials are becoming more expensive, and that tends to push retail prices higher.
European oils may reach the Russian market again, but at much higher prices due to the need to route shipments through third countries and added logistics costs. In short, a shortage is not expected, but a redistribution of supply and higher prices are likely. The advice is not to stockpile indefinitely; prudence matters. If possible, consider purchasing oil for the next service interval and avoid skimping on maintenance since consumables are often cheaper than major repairs later on. [Citation: Market expert interview]n
What is the shelf life of motor oil?
Industry guidelines state that motor oil can have a shelf life of up to five years when stored in its original, unopened container. Yet there is a practical reason to replace oil regularly, even if a vehicle is not driven frequently. The rationale is straightforward…
Mikhail Kolodochkin, a driving expert, notes that storing oil in a sealed container differs from keeping it in an engine. Oil in a container occupies only a small fraction of space, but inside an engine the oil is continually exposed to air and moisture, which can lead to oxidation and aging of the lubricant.
Moreover, unlike a metal drum with internal coatings, engine components consist of a variety of metals that can facilitate chemical reactions and alter oil properties over time.
While it is not guaranteed that oil will deteriorate after a full year in an engine, it is reasonable to expect that its original characteristics may not be fully preserved. Regular maintenance remains the best safeguard for engine health.