[dennisw]

We just want a fair market for energy supplies.

With all due respect that is a pathetic plea undergirded by a child like faith in free markets backed up by rule of law. These markets exist here in USA but not in the world wide energy markets

Russia doesn't play your "free market" game. Nor does China Venezuela or Iran. Powerful thug-ocracies move the market. Not free consumers and free suppliers of energy in the fair market you yearn for

[businessprofessor]

I have no expertise or inside information about energy markets. To me, it is clear that cartels are operating on part of the supply side. In the past, OPEC has been undercut by non OPEC countries and cheating inside of OPEC. Perhaps the cartels have increased their influence on the supply side.

The supply side cartel does not directly determine the price for crude. Crude contracts are traded on world wide energy markets. There is evidence that OPEC does not want the price of crude too high because it will encourage alternative energy sources and additional exploration. Russia is a more secretive and sinister player than OPEC.

I am strongly opposed to energy cartels as I am to labor and producer cartels. There should be a way to bring actions against the energy cartels using international trade agreements. I am surprised that energy cartels have not been targeted in trade agreements.

I am not sure what policies can be taken to combat the energy cartels. Our current policy of energy mandates on renewables and ethanol is clearly not the answer. I would prefer to increase domestic exploration and development of oil and natural gas. I would also let the market determine the proper mix of energy sources. Our current policy will only increase the influence of the energy cartels leading to high energy prices and shortages.