OPEC

The control exerted over western countries by OPEC never ceases to amaze me. What twist of fate gave these predominatly Islamic countries the ability to make the U.S. jump when they say "jump", because that is the situation. We are so dependent on oil as the life-blood of our economy, that we are at the mercy of the oil producers. Over the last year, we witnessed over a 33 percent increase in the price of crude oil.
OPEC's official range for the price of crude oil is between 22 and 28 dollars a barrel, however many analysts are suggesting an average of 40 dollars a barrel as a new target benchmark price. Currently the price is 47.18 dollars a barrel, and OPEC has already warned that as the demand for oil decreases in the spring, production will also decrease in order to keep prices from falling. So, for now consumers, say goodbye to the days when 15.00 dollars could get you over 10 gallons of gas.
Will we ever find a perfect substitute for oil?
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/01/30/international/europe/30opec.html