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Supply instability and oil-market behavior

Journal Article · · Energy Syst. Policy; (United States)
OSTI ID:5246009

The disruption in world oil markets that was triggered by the 1978 to 1979 Iranian revolution is analyzed. The resultant price rises are explored in the context of the behavior of the spot market and key OPEC countries. In particular, the economic and political roles of excess oil supply in the Persian Gulf nations are discussed. Conclusions for the likely future are presented together with the implications for United States policy. Constructive steps could be taken to create a data series on secondary stocks in the major consuming countries and the strategic oil stockpile could be used to moderate price increases. It is prudent to assume that recent energy-supply and price situations will continue and to take whatever steps are necessary to moderate the effects. 11 references, 4 tables.

Research Organization:
Massachusetts Inst. of Tech., Cambridge
OSTI ID:
5246009
Journal Information:
Energy Syst. Policy; (United States), Journal Name: Energy Syst. Policy; (United States) Vol. 3:4; ISSN ESYPB
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English