Part of the cause why the VW prices are a little bit higher than average is that VW Head office adopted the European practice and dealers aren't allowed to buy the oil from the oil company of their choice. Some of you maybe noticed that Castrol VW504.00/507.00 comes from Germany now, and as a result, it costs more. It retails approx. $28.00 per 1L bottle.
I see it as a positive step from the engine point of view, since anything can happen to the oil before it gets into your engine's sump.
It is fine, if others disagree.
:)