Some Japanese prefectures and cities face shortage of automotive engine oil, leading to suspension of services

According to a report from Yomiuri Shimbun on May 28: The impact of the situation in the Middle East is gradually seeping into people's daily lives. One issue is the shortage of engine oil, which is crucial for vehicles.

It has become difficult to replace affordable engine oil at regular repair shops, forcing people to turn to more expensive 4S dealerships. Regular auto repair shops are currently unable to restock and cannot meet the demand for oil changes.

The city transportation bureau currently operates 53 bus routes and 12 chartered routes. With a total driving distance of 22,000 kilometers, each oil change consumes 20 liters. Affordable oil comes in cans priced at 50,000 JPY (200 liters), while OEM oil from 4S dealerships costs 100,000 JPY. However, the affordable oil is now out of stock, leaving only OEM oil available through automobile dealerships. The city transportation bureau stated: “Due to the oil shortage, we cannot reduce our bus operation routes or shorten travel distances.”

Some automotive parts stores across the prefecture have already exhausted their engine oil inventory and have begun suspending oil change services. In one shop, after the May Day Golden Week holiday, suppliers notified them, “We’re out of oil.” As a result, the repair shop posted a notice: “We will temporarily suspend oil change operations.” The manager said: “This is the first time I’ve experienced such a situation. It’s causing inconvenience to customers, but all I can do is pray that things improve soon.”

Another automotive parts store had its April orders with headquarters temporarily canceled, and orders from April to June dropped by about 70% compared to the same period last year. Moreover, the only available oil for restocking comes from non-branded companies. The responsible manager expressed anxiety: “After July, whether we’ll have either aftermarket or OEM oil is completely unpredictable.”

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1866417258049536/

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