API emergency provision - Group 3

[Urshurak776]

I posted this in another thread, but didn't see anything on main page, so added the topic. This is a big deal to me. Hopefully doesn't turn out to be a big deal:

API has allowed a 90 day reprieve to use additional base stocks, other than group 3, and maintain licensing:

https://www.fuelsandlubes.com/api-extends-emergency-provisional-licensing-by-90-days/

So, maybe that SP oil sitting on the shelf with dust on it, may not be a bad thing to grab right now....just sayin.

 

[SC Maintenance]

That is excellent confirmation that the Shortage is in fact real. Thank you for sharing.

 

[Urshurak776]

That is excellent confirmation that the Shortage is in fact real. Thank you for sharing.

API has actually allowed it since March, so who knows what is in the oil right now......

 

[melk]

The fallout begins…. Few seem to understand the realties of global supply chain ripple effects, and the timeline not just for them to “hit” but also withdraw back to “normal”

Always get a good chuckle from those that have recently said “look there’s a trickle of ships getting through, so much for the shortage, lololo”

 

[SC Maintenance]

On TV everyone says everything sunshine and roses.

Get ready folks.

Someone is more concerned about posting on social media at 2 AM and ignoring all the problems.

They will tell us everything is rosy - don't believe your lieing eyes. If there is a lubricant shortage they will blame it on "big oil".

Same as always

 

[Sam_Julier]

Gents, please refrain from politics or the thread will be locked. Thanks.

 

[bullwinkle]

Unfortunately not surprising-there is a delay in turning crude & gas into base stocks, and the Strait being closed is just now catching up to supply. Yet ANOTHER argument for having a stash (not that any red blooded BITOGer needs one)!

 

[Cujet]

Guessing that a purchase from a boutique or high end company will still get you exactly what you want. I can't imagine Redline, HPL or Amsoil would substitute Group II for PAO...

 

[SwampSurvivor]

I'm sure this would affect supertech brand ...

 

[SC Maintenance]

Yes its API specs only. So I presume any oil that has any other specs like Dexos or LL or VW whatever then its unlikely it can change? Are my assumptions correct?

 

[Foxtrot08]

Mopar / stellantis released a reformulation, mileage, pricing and allocation guideline to its dealerships 7/1/26. (Yesterday.)

0w-20, 5w-20 and 5w-30 pennzoil will all be moving to blends. Rotella T6 will be replaced with Rotella T5. (Bulk products.)

ATF and case goods placed on allocation are being distributed by first in / first out orders, non wholesale only.

 

[JimPghPA]

So the 5 qt jug of Pennzoil Ultra Platinum 0W - 20 I bought from Walmart on 5/5/2026 that was fresh stock because that shelf slot was empty for 10 days before that, might not be GTL?

Whatever Pennszoil formulated that was in that jug, I'm pretty sure it will last 3,500 miles and 10 months with my very last Fram Ultra Filter, for my usual oil change interval.

 

[SC Maintenance]

So the 5 qt jug of Pennzoil Ultra Platinum 0W - 20 I bought from Walmart on 5/5/2026 that was fresh stock because that shelf slot was empty for 10 days before that, might not be GTL?

Whatever Pennszoil formulated that was in that jug, I'm pretty sure it will last 3,500 miles and 10 months with my very last Fram Ultra Filter, for my usual oil change interval.

You would need to go by the date code on the package. Could come from a warehouse somewhere.

Also just because the specs have been relaxed doesn't mean penzoil ever changed. Hence the problem with such specs being relaxed.

So unfortunately all anyone can do is speculate.

 

[crashz]

Thanks for the news!

The article states that companies do not automatically get the provisional license, they have to apply for it with justification on how it will affect their formulation. This seems well thought out and I'm not really concerned with the major brands.

The article states that a dozen companies filed their EPLs so I would guess the major brands covers themselves, but I think there are more that 12 companies that sell Group III synthetic oils. On the other hand, companies like Warren might have one EPL that covers all of the subsidiary brands that they blend for.

 

[tolian21]

They should make a law that requires disclosure of what base stocks or at least main base stock is used. Additives they can keep secret. You really dont know what you are buying. What stops them from using group 1 or 2 without full disclosure?

 

[Foxtrot08]

They should make a law that requires disclosure of what base stocks or at least main base stock is used. Additives they can keep secret. You really dont know what you are buying. What stops them from using group 1 or 2 without full disclosure?

Marketing a Group 2 (or especially a group 1) product, as “synthetic” would probably end up in the FTC’s hands. Whomever did that would also get pounced on by all their competitors rather quickly.

You will (and are) seeing more products marketed as blends. But you don’t know which direction they’re going. G2 / PAO blends. Or G2 / G3 blends.

You’re also seeing a lot of relatively “new” base oils being used, which is part of this. There’s at least 5 “new” Group 3 base oils floating around right now that I know of. That various producers are using. How good are they? Well… great question.

 

[fdcg27]

The supply of Korean Grp III may be restored within a few months once Gulf oil begins reaching Asia.
OTOH, the Pearl GTL plant in Qatar has enough damage that it will be down for at least a year.
Hard to see how any blender avoids formulation changes.

 

[Japanese]

You will (and are) seeing more products marketed as blends. But you don’t know which direction they’re going. G2 / PAO blends. Or G2 / G3 blends.

Thanks for the info!
Well, do we know the percentage ratio of base oils for an oil to be called a synthetic blend? Was it 20-30% group III / PAO or less?

 

[buster]

I bet Noack went up on a few oils.

 

[cheesepuffs2]

Guessing that a purchase from a boutique or high end company will still get you exactly what you want. I can't imagine Redline, HPL or Amsoil would substitute Group II for PAO...

Are they going to have a choice? When considering that the majors/base oil suppliers will have to work with OEM dealer networks to help keep them going, I doubt relatively small players like the boutique PCMOs brands get much allocation. There are bigger fish to fry.