Who Gets the Oil? Looming Allocation Threats Put Pressure on Operators

In the News | Ducker Carlisle | May 28, 2026

National Oil and Lube News reporter Tom Valentino examines how the looming synthetic motor oil shortage is forcing quick lube operators, distributors, and independent shops to make difficult decisions about stockpiling, pricing, and supplier relationships before allocation cuts arrive.

Nate Chenenko is quoted throughout the piece, drawing on transaction data and direct operator conversations to explain why the shortage hits small independent shops hardest and what operators should be doing right now.

The article covers how rising costs for synthetic oil are prompting some shops to add surcharges, how long-term vendor relationships and brand agility are critical for securing favorable allocations, and how OEM product contracts can provide operators with more reliable access to alternative versions of their brands. Chenenko draws the parallel to the COVID-19 pandemic, noting that many people are still in an avoidance mode with regard to oil availability concerns and urges operators not to repeat that mistake.

The article also addresses availability uncertainty, noting that quick lube operators are likely to be placed in a similar position to car dealers during the chip shortage. Chenenko flags that if you walk into a shop and the oil is not there, customers will go somewhere else and may not come back.

Read the full article on NOLN.net

Source: National Oil and Lube News | May 28, 2026 https://www.noln.net/site-placement/latest-news/article/55380462/who-gets-the-oil-looming-allocation-threats-put-pressure-on-operators