The ongoing conflict with Iran could force Britain's supercar elite off the roads, as specialist oil shortages threaten to keep Lamborghinis and Ferraris confined to their garages. While the super-wealthy in Mayfair and the Cotswolds may not be the first victims that come to mind amid the turmoil in the Middle East, the oil crisis is reverberating through all levels of society.
Specialist Oils in Short Supply
Supercars rely on specialised oils designed to withstand the extreme heat and high-revving engines that define these high-performance vehicles. However, Iranian missile strikes have destroyed key Gulf refineries that produce these essential lubricants. Experts have warned that a global shortage is looming, which could see the fiery exhausts of Lamborghinis, Ferraris, and other exotic cars fall silent.
ADNOC Plant Hit by Drone Strike
On March 10, an Iranian drone struck the Abu Dhabi plant of oil company ADNOC, causing a major fire and forcing the facility to shut down. The site has a refining capacity of up to 922,000 barrels of oil per day and serves as a central hub for the emirate's downstream operations. Crucially, it produces 500,000 tonnes of the base oil needed for supercar lubricants.
Gabriella Twining, of energy consultancy Argus Media, told the Telegraph: 'Should supplies run dry, then blenders won't be able to produce the finished lubricants. For now, supercar owners can push back oil changes, but it could get to a point where their cars won't perform properly without new oil, or they risk engine damage, meaning they won't be able to drive their vehicles.' She added: 'Group 3 oils are now stranded due to the closure and subsequent blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.'
An AA spokesman commented: 'These lubricants are critical to the sound running of these high-performance cars. Skimping on maintenance, including using the right lubricants, is asking for a very big repair bill.'
