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Pennzoil 2026 Formulation FAQ

Pennzoil is focused on delivering the quality, performance and reliability our customers expect. We recognize that customers want clear information about the products they trust in their vehicles. We share the following information that summarizes our current activities in the market, due to ongoing global supply constraints. See below.

Shell is committed to offering high-quality lubricants, and we stand behind the quality and performance of our Pennzoil brand products. These products are formulated to meet the claims, specifications, and approvals stated on product labels and brand websites.

FAQs

1. Are Pennzoil Platinum and Pennzoil Ultra Platinum still made with natural gas? Do they still use GTL base oils?

Yes. Pennzoil Platinum and Pennzoil Ultra Platinum are made with GTL technology and base oils. We remain focused on delivering the high-quality lubricants our customers expect, with products that continue to meet the claims, specifications, and approvals on our product labels and brand websites. Customers should refer to product labels and brand websites for the most current information.

In response to supply constraints affecting portions of the lubricants supply chain, Shell has implemented measures intended to help support product availability. As part of these efforts, alternate formulations have been introduced for select products.

  • We have NOT altered our Pennzoil Ultra Platinum formulations, which continue to contain the same percentage of GTL base oil.
  • To help support product availability, we are using alternate formulations for Pennzoil Platinum and Pennzoil Platinum High Mileage products. These formulations now use a blend of GTL base oil and high-quality non-GTL base oils and continue to meet the claims, specifications, and approvals stated on our product labels and brand websites.

Pennzoil continues to provide information regarding the use of natural gas and gas-to-liquid (GTL) technology on our website. Customers should refer to those sources for the most current product information. 

2. Why is Pennzoil Platinum no longer Dexos1 Gen 3-licensed? Have any other approvals or certifications changed?

To help support product availability in response to current supply constraints, Shell has transitioned select products to non-dexos formulations. These high-quality non-dexos formulations continue to meet API SQ (and therefore all previous API categories), and all other claims and approvals.

OEM approvals and licenses, such as dexos1 Gen3, can be tied to a specific formulation (i.e., a unique combination of specified base oils and additives in precise ratios). When that formulation is modified, the existing license does not necessarily carry over, even if the resulting product meets API SQ, and all other claims and approvals.

Shell continues to offer dexos-licensed Pennzoil Ultra Platinum Full Synthetic SAE 0W-40 Motor Oil in One-Quart, Five-Quart, Drum, and Bulk formats. 

3. Why did Pennzoil change some packaging language from "Made From Natural Gas" to "Made With Natural Gas"?

Pennzoil periodically reviews and updates its product packaging and marketing language.

In 2024, Pennzoil updated the language from “Made From Natural Gas” to “Made With Natural Gas” to more clearly describe how natural gas is used in the formulation. “Made With” more accurately reflects that natural-gas-derived GTL base oil is used in combination with other components, such as high-performance additives, to create the finished motor oil. Products continue to meet the claims, specifications, and approvals stated on their packaging and our brand websites.