Costco Imposes Limits on Motor Oil as Prices Nearly Double

Global crude benchmarks, including Brent crude, recently climbed above $109 a barrel, reaching levels not seen since May. This price spike forces refiners to prioritize the production of gasoline and diesel, diverting essential resources away from the base oil required for synthetic lubricants. Consequently, Costco has also tightened availability for Mobil 1 products, limiting members to five units at a price of $43.99 per six-pack.

The supply squeeze reflects broader economic pressures currently gripping the fuel industry. With gasoline hitting record highs over the Labor Day holiday and U.S. diesel prices surpassing $6 per gallon for the first time, the scarcity of base oil highlights how far-reaching the energy crisis has become for everyday consumers.