Middle East Supply Disruptions Cause Engine Oil Shortage in Japan

A severe shortage of engine oil is threatening logistics operations in Japan's Hokuriku region this week ^[1].

The scarcity of these petroleum-derived lubricants, often described as “car blood,” could force trucks to stop operating if supply chains do not stabilize. Because engine oil is critical for vehicle longevity and safety, the inability to perform regular maintenance creates a significant risk for regional transport.

At Hokuriku Truck Transport in Fukui City, the impact is evident in the company's fleet of approximately 250 trucks ^[1]. Each vehicle requires 30 liters of oil per change ^[1]. To cope with the shortage, the company has extended its oil-change intervals from every four months to every five or six months ^[1].

Mechanics at the firm said that the oil, which is originally brown, quickly turns black as it degrades ^[1]. This degradation increases the risk of engine failure if changes are delayed further.

Supply disruptions are linked to the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which has choked the flow of oil from the Middle East [1, 2]. This geopolitical instability has led to a sharp increase in costs and a collapse in delivery timelines.

"Prices have jumped about 1.5 times ^[1]," said Yuji Yoshida, Vehicle Department Manager at Hokuriku Truck Transport. "Even if we place an order now, it is a situation where it will not arrive for one to one and a half months ^[1]."

While some reports in the region also mention difficulties obtaining thinner for vehicle repairs ^[2], the primary concern for transport operators remains the lack of lubricant. Director Mizukami Masao said the operational strain is high as the company attempts to keep its fleet moving despite the dwindling supplies ^[1].