Author Topic: US dependant on Middle East Oil? (Read 932 times)

Preon1 · « **on:** January 22, 2003, 07:02:43 AM »

The view from the American media really does lead one to believe that most of the oil that drives the industry in the United States comes from the Middle East. I had never heard a number but I had always thought the percentage was pretty high.

I decided to check it out.

http://www.eia.doe.gov/emeu/aer/txt/ptb0507.html

This is a link to an html chart published by the US Dept of Energy detailing oil imports from selected nations. I find it interesting that the oil imported from the Persian Gulf Nations doesn't ever get much higher than a quarter of total US imports. I also find it interesting that the US imports much more oil from non-OPEC nations than it does from the Middle East.

Of course that makes sense. You don't want to be dependant on a region half way across the world for your energy source... (and I admit I could be reading the numbers wrong)

But why is the world so up in arms about American oil interests in the Persian Gulf? I'd like to find numbers on the oil interests of the Brits, French, Germans, Russians and Chinese. It may shed some light on whose immediate economic stability the US is really fighting for.

mjolnir · « **Reply #1 on:** January 22, 2003, 07:07:04 AM »

Don't forget Japan. IIRC, they rely very heavily on middle eastern oil. We still like their toys, they still like our money, so we want them to have plenty of energy to keep making all those neat electronic gizmos for us.

Leslie · « **Reply #2 on:** January 22, 2003, 07:11:20 AM »

The truth is Preon1, Iraq has violated international law regarding oil. Oil is important to everyone in the world. Not just for cars, but for heating oil and plastics mainly. It is a damn good reason to go to war, if Iraq does not comply with international law.

They don't own it, it belongs to everyone on this planet.

Les

Holden McGroin · « **Reply #3 on:** January 22, 2003, 07:13:01 AM »

Due to North Sea Crude, the British percentage is comparatively low. I know Norway and I think Denmark share in the North Sea too, and possibly, although I am least sure about, Deutchland.

Leslie · « **Reply #4 on:** January 22, 2003, 07:25:29 AM »

World War II and Vietnam were fought for the same reason...oil.

Les

ra · « **Reply #5 on:** January 22, 2003, 07:26:41 AM »

Quote

World War II and Vietnam were fought for the same reason...oil.

Raubvogel · « **Reply #6 on:** January 22, 2003, 07:31:46 AM »

That's why we invaded Grenada also....we lusted after the rich Grenadian oil fields.

Leslie · « **Reply #7 on:** January 22, 2003, 07:41:37 AM »

Quote

Originally posted by ra

RA, Vietnam was an extension of WWII. First, during WWII, it was the Japanese objective to capture the rich oil fields north of Australia, and then the Communists wanted to do the same. (Vietnam) They were defeated both times by the United States with Allies. The US won the Vietnam War by denying the Communists control over these oil fields.

Les

Modas · « **Reply #8 on:** January 22, 2003, 07:42:31 AM »

Quote

Originally posted by Leslie
World War II and Vietnam were fought for the same reason...oil.

Les

WHAT?!!?

Are you kidding me? Pick up a history book sonny...

Leslie · « **Reply #9 on:** January 22, 2003, 08:02:29 AM »

Why should I do that Modas? So I can hit you over the head with it?

Les

lazs2 · « **Reply #10 on:** January 22, 2003, 08:04:13 AM »

I don't really care so long as unleaded premium stays under $2 a gallon.
lazs

-dead- · « **Reply #11 on:** January 22, 2003, 08:23:13 AM »

Notes of interest:

1. OPEC isn't exclusively Middle Eastern countries:
Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are.
But Algeria, Indonesia, Libya, Nigeria and Venezuela aren't.

2. The table seems a bit odd - I note the Persian Gulf nations (Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and United Arab Emirates) are also, with the exception of Bahrain, OPEC nations - why all the columns?

3. Reading the fine print I find this gem:

Quote

Notes: · The country of origin for refined petroleum products may not be the country of origin for the crude oil from which the refined products were produced. For example, refined products imported from refineries in the Caribbean may have been produced from Middle East crude oil.

4. So I figure it's probably better and more accurate to base it on crude oil imports than petroleum. Partly due to the fine print, but also because crude oil is used for much more than just petroleum.
According to this table here, the country that imported the most crude oil into the US in 2001 was Saudi Arabia, followed by Mexico, Canada and Venezuela. Saudi Arabia's still in the Middle East ain't it?

And this despite the fact that the three next highest importers are all much much closer to the US - No 2 and No 3 even share borders with the US.

AKIron · « **Reply #12 on:** January 22, 2003, 09:10:41 AM »

It's about time for the US government to hand over the cold fusion generators and anti-grav devices we acquired in Roswell a few decades ago. I want my cheap to operate flying car NOW!

GRUNHERZ · « **Reply #13 on:** January 22, 2003, 09:33:10 AM »

The Caspian Sea is projected to have more oil than even Saudi Arabia, currently the world's largest oil holder. (<---- That part is true, the next is more speculative ->) Getting to this oil and getting the land to build a pipeline is why GWB, Dick Cheney, the CIA and Mossad carried out the Sept 11 attacks..

Yes, yes It true. Voices be quiet... Where's my tinfoil hat? Where???

Modas · « **Reply #14 on:** January 22, 2003, 09:35:10 AM »

Quote

Originally posted by Leslie
Why should I do that Modas? So I can hit you over the head with it?

Les

Sure, that would be ok. I could probably fanagle workman's comp somehow and take a couple of days off