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To: HAL9000
Regarding the "oil shortage" that everyone is predicting will inevitably follow an Iraqi war. Immediately after the bombs started dropping in the Persian Gulf war the price of oil came down. This was despite the fact that both Iraqi and Kuwati production was off the market.

This time around, barring a WMD attack on Kuwait, their production will probably be increased, at the behest of the Americans. Production of the emirates will also be increased. That leaves Saudi Arabia. They need the money, it is doubtful that they can afford to drop their production.

The USAF and the USN will be tasked with keeping the Gulf open to shipping, a job they did ten years ago with fewer bases and worse logistics. The strategic reserve will be around to pick up the slack in case a tanker or two is caught in the crossfire. Don't bet on an oil shortage.

74 posted on 08/06/2002 4:14:08 AM PDT by Former Proud Canadian
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To: Former Proud Canadian
The USAF and the USN will be tasked with keeping the Gulf open to shipping, a job they did ten years ago with fewer bases and worse logistics. The strategic reserve will be around to pick up the slack in case a tanker or two is caught in the crossfire. Don't bet on an oil shortage.

However, I would bet upon a panicked surge in prices for a while. The market price of oil would rise due to traders' fears of a supply interruption.

Give them a few weeks, and prices will come back down to "normal." (I'm still waiting to see gasoline for 99.9 cents per gallon like it was when I was younger...)

The USN will keep the tankers safe. There is no doubt of that.

79 posted on 08/06/2002 7:52:39 AM PDT by Chemist_Geek
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To: Former Proud Canadian
Don't bet on an oil shortage.

Since we're planning ahead, there shouldn't be a major supply problem.

But there could be a shape spike in the price of gasoline for a few weeks.

80 posted on 08/06/2002 8:22:15 AM PDT by HAL9000
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