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Title: OPEC's threat to the West. [U. S. counter-active measures]

Journal Article · · Foreign Policy; (United States)
OSTI ID:5009140

The evolution of energy and economic impacts caused by the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) is traced, and recommendations are made for policies that will soften future blows. Future OPEC price and production levels are estimated as a basis for assessing possible crises and determining appropriate policy. Best price is likely to be set to maximize future revenues in accordance with residual demand, resource depletion, and the dichotomy of OPEC's economic development goals. A slow increase in prices is forecast, barring destructive political events. U.S. policies are based on a Central Intelligence Agency crisis report that is felt to be unrealistic because it ignores the price sensitivity of demand and OPEC's capacity to increase production. U.S. policy should include a domestic strategic oil reserve, encouragement of similar reserves in other oil-importing countries, and a slower economic growth rate.

Research Organization:
Massachusetts Inst. of Tech., Cambridge
OSTI ID:
5009140
Journal Information:
Foreign Policy; (United States), Vol. 30
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English