66
4.2 We’re Out of Gas
The OPEC oil embargo and resulting “energy crisis” had significant and longlasting effects on the economy, security, and psychology of the United States (Yergin
1991). Although the embargo only lasted for about 6 months, it is difficult to overstate just how much trauma and concern it caused to the social fabric of the
U.S. Indeed, the energy crisis influenced American foreign policy for the next
40 years.
In addition to the price hike, there were severe gasoline shortages and consumer
panic. When fuel did become available, lines of vehicles often many blocks long
would form at the service stations that had gas (Fig. 4.1). Purchases were typically
limited to ten gallons or less per customer to ensure that the fuel was distributed as
far as possible and to prevent hoarding. Drivers remained stoic and polite for the
most part, but the long and tedious waits in gas lines occasionally sparked displays
of anger and loud disputes if someone tried to cut in line out of turn. In the days
before the Internet and smart phones, news about gasoline availability at particular
service stations was spread by radio announcements and word of mouth. Sometimes
people would spot a gasoline tanker truck in transit and follow it to a service station.
Gasoline had been rationed during the Second World War, which few people
complained about because of patriotic duty, and a number of localized and brief
energy shortages had occurred after the war in places where fuel demand outpaced
supply. The OPEC embargo sparked a crisis at a national level unlike any that had
Fig. 4.1 Vehicles lined up waiting for gasoline during the 1973–1974 energy crisis. (Source:
D. Falconer, U.S. National Museum of American History; public domain)
4 The Energy Crisis and Unconventional Resources
4.2 We’re Out of Gas
The OPEC oil embargo and resulting “energy crisis” had significant and longlasting effects on the economy, security, and psychology of the United States (Yergin
1991). Although the embargo only lasted for about 6 months, it is difficult to overstate just how much trauma and concern it caused to the social fabric of the
U.S. Indeed, the energy crisis influenced American foreign policy for the next
40 years.
In addition to the price hike, there were severe gasoline shortages and consumer
panic. When fuel did become available, lines of vehicles often many blocks long
would form at the service stations that had gas (Fig. 4.1). Purchases were typically
limited to ten gallons or less per customer to ensure that the fuel was distributed as
far as possible and to prevent hoarding. Drivers remained stoic and polite for the
most part, but the long and tedious waits in gas lines occasionally sparked displays
of anger and loud disputes if someone tried to cut in line out of turn. In the days
before the Internet and smart phones, news about gasoline availability at particular
service stations was spread by radio announcements and word of mouth. Sometimes
people would spot a gasoline tanker truck in transit and follow it to a service station.
Gasoline had been rationed during the Second World War, which few people
complained about because of patriotic duty, and a number of localized and brief
energy shortages had occurred after the war in places where fuel demand outpaced
supply. The OPEC embargo sparked a crisis at a national level unlike any that had
Fig. 4.1 Vehicles lined up waiting for gasoline during the 1973–1974 energy crisis. (Source:
D. Falconer, U.S. National Museum of American History; public domain)
4 The Energy Crisis and Unconventional Resources