The Countdown to a Major Oil Price Surge Has Begun

Discussion (8 Comments)Read Original on HackerNews

fraserphysics•about 1 hour ago

For a long time I've been reading that the closure of Hormuz is going to constrain consumption soon. I understand the economic theory that reducing supply of an inelastic commodity greatly increases the price. The article says that inventories have insulated us from high prices so far. I am surprised by how large and effective those inventories have been. And I am surprised that futures prices are not higher. Can anyone here suggest explanations?

handoflixue•37 minutes ago

If, hypothetically, the war ended tomorrow, then we could resume Business As Usual and slowly start rebuilding reserves. The Powers That Be (governments, oil corporations, etc.) have a vested interest in this: while a price spike ostensibly makes money for the oil corporations, it also drives people to invest in green energy, buy electric cars, or make lifestyle changes that reduce long-term consumption. Meanwhile, the politicians benefit from the illusion that everything is under control.

There are still enough reserves to maintain this illusion AND do a fairly orderly "jack up prices, drive down demand" transition if and when it proves necessary.

TL;DR: The whole point of these reserves is to provide this sort of stability

3eb7988a1663•about 2 hours ago

Meanwhile, the gas prices near me recently decreased.

This must be how Cassandra felt all the time.

iamnothere•about 4 hours ago

Like the runup to COVID, everyone is just shambling along pretending that nothing’s happening. Even if the strait is opened tomorrow, inventories will continue to fall for some time. This is going to be a serious crisis.

I am really not looking forward to whatever bullshit laws they try to force through during the crisis.

The Countdown to a Major Oil Price Surge Has Begun

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Discussion (8 Comments)Read Original on HackerNews