A transport company in Fukui, Japan, is facing severe engine oil shortages and price spikes due to instability in the Middle East [1].

This disruption threatens the reliability of logistics networks by forcing companies to delay essential vehicle maintenance. Because engine oil is critical for engine longevity, extending service intervals increases the risk of mechanical failure for heavy-duty fleets.

At Hokuriku Truck Transport, which operates approximately 250 trucks [1], the cost of engine oil has risen by about 1.5 times [1]. Delivery times for new orders have also slowed, with shipments now taking between one and 1.5 months to arrive [1]. These delays began in late April 2024 [1].

To manage the shortage, the company has extended its oil change cycle from every four months to every five to six months [1]. Each truck requires approximately 30 liters of oil per change [1].

"The price has jumped about 1.5 times. Even if we order now, it's a situation where it won't come in for one to one and a half months," Yuji Yoshida, head of the vehicle department, said [1].

The company's maintenance staff noted that the oil, which is originally brownish, quickly turns black during use [1]. This degradation highlights the risks of extending the intervals between changes. Mao Mizukami, a director at the firm, said the cabin of a 10-ton truck was open for inspection [1].

The supply chain issues are linked to the uncertain political situation in the Middle East, specifically involving Iran, which has hindered the flow of petroleum-derived products [1].

“The price has jumped about 1.5 times.”

The situation at Hokuriku Truck Transport serves as a micro-indicator of how geopolitical volatility in oil-producing regions directly impacts the operational costs and safety standards of the global supply chain. When essential consumables like engine oil become scarce, logistics firms must choose between absorbing higher costs or risking equipment longevity through deferred maintenance.