Auto Repair Shops Face Ongoing Shortages Despite Prospects of US-Iran Peace Deal

Auto repair businesses in Japan and the United States may continue to struggle with shortages of essential supplies even as the United States and Iran move toward a potential agreement to ease tensions in the Middle East.

Industry experts say any relief from the proposed deal is unlikely to be immediate, as disruptions caused by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz have already strained global supply chains. The waterway is a crucial route for oil shipments, and months of restrictions have affected the availability of petroleum-based products such as motor oil, paint thinners, lubricants, and automotive coatings.

In Tokyo, repair shops report shortages of motor oil and specialized paints, particularly the popular pearl white finish used on many vehicles. Some businesses have delayed painting work or adjusted operations to cope with limited supplies.

Similar challenges have emerged in the United States, where shortages of raw materials used in lubricants and coatings have contributed to rising costs. Industry groups warn that lubricant prices may remain elevated for years, while automakers and dealerships have begun implementing measures to manage available supplies.

Although governments and manufacturers are taking steps to stabilize inventories, analysts say smaller repair shops are bearing the greatest burden. Even if shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz fully reopen, experts caution that supply chains may take months to normalize as businesses work through existing shortages and backlogs.