New Jersey drivers may soon pay more for a routine oil change as motor oil supplies tighten and repair shops face higher costs.
News 12 New Jersey reports that auto shops are having difficulty keeping motor oil in stock, with supply disruptions linked to the ongoing war with Iran and reduced shipments moving through the Strait of Hormuz.
At R-A Automotive in Waldwick, mechanic Ron Ananian said his supplier has limited him to two cases of oil per week because of shortages. He also said each order now costs him $72 more, forcing him to raise the price of an oil change by about 15%.
Ananian told News 12 that he used to keep only one or two days’ worth of oil on hand. He now keeps roughly two months of supply because he does not know when another bottleneck could make it difficult to restock.
The problem is not limited to independent repair shops. News 12 also reported that Costco raised the price of some motor oil products from about $30 to $58 and placed limits on how much customers can buy.
The motor oil shortage is part of a wider energy problem. Disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz have also contributed to higher gasoline and diesel prices. In New Jersey, regular gasoline has recently averaged around $4.40 per gallon, while diesel prices have reached record levels nationally, raising concerns that higher transportation costs could eventually affect the prices of everyday goods.
For New Jersey drivers, the most immediate impact may be felt at the repair shop. Oil changes are routine maintenance, but if supplies remain tight, higher wholesale prices can quickly show up on customers’ bills.
The situation is another example of how events thousands of miles away can reach local households through the cost of fuel, transportation and basic vehicle maintenance.
Sources: News 12 New Jersey.
By NJ RADAR Team