[Vision2020] Conserve precious Oil

[B.C. Strand]

Pat Kraut writes:
It is because of the mess in Florida and political unrest in Venezuela 
as well."

Pat,

Venezuela is the fourth largest source of oil for the US at about 1.5 
million barrels/day. Because of the general strike, oil exports from 
Venezuela were interrupted in late 2002/early 2003. But by April 2003, 
they had returned their previous levels and have not affected US imports 
since then.

Ivan was the only hurricane that affected oil imports as the rest were 
far enough east to miss the primary ports and refineries. In preparation 
for Ivan several major refineries were shut down which is the portion 
that is affecting gas prices.

But there is only ONE major reason that oil prices are high. Every major 
oil importer in the world who has capacity is stockpiling crude oil. And 
they are doing this because of fears of interruption of oil from the 
Middle East.

Bill Strand