As the war in Iran escalated, most coverage understandably focused on fuel prices. But what was happening in the industries behind the headlines? I spoke with Máté Szabó, Managing Director of Oil Hungary, for Kosárérték about how the conflict was affecting the adjacent, but often ignored, lubricant market.

When we recorded the interview, there was no peace in sight. While I was working on the text, a ceasefire was announced. By the time we got to publishing, the war was on again. In this highly volatile situation, rising raw material costs, supply uncertainty, and shifting purchasing decisions are already shaping everyday business. Szabó described shortages and price increases of around 20% for some products, pushing workshops and wholesalers to stock up before demand slowed again.

I wanted to understand how these global events translated into practical decisions: when to buy, how much stock to hold, and how to stay competitive when both costs and uncertainty keep growing.

The conversation also explored the longer-term pressures behind the immediate disruption, from stronger international competition to changing customer expectations. Szabó explained how digitalization and a clear commercial strategy were helping the company adapt in a market where competing on price alone could only take it so far.