
What Causes Oil Prices to Fluctuate? Key points to understand
What causes oil prices to fluctuate?
Oil price fluctuations can be due to a number of factors, including global economic conditions, geopolitical events, and OPEC production quotas. The global economy is one of the major drivers of oil prices. When the world economy is strong, demand for oil rises, and prices go up.
Conversely, when the global economy weakens, demand for oil decreases, and prices fall.
Geopolitics is another key driver of oil price fluctuations. Events such as wars or crises in major countries can cause a sharp increase or decrease in demand for crude oil from OPEC nations, which then affects petroleum-based products around the world.

OPEC production quotas are also important factors that affect petroleum pricing on a regional basis.
The oil price rose from 2000 until 2006, but after that it won’t be as high again until 2017 and then in 2018, as oil supplies are becoming short and we have to import more of these products in order to meet our energy needs.
OPEC’s role in fluctuating oil prices
OPEC has a significant role in fluctuating oil prices. OPEC controls about 90% of the world’s supply, so when it decides to reduce production, prices rise due to an over-supply of crude oil. Conversely, if OPEC increases production (as happened in January 2015), then the market responds by driving down the price of crude oil.
Oil prices are also affected by geopolitical events, such as the wars in Iraq and Syria. If these conflicts result in increased demand for oil, then the price of crude will rise.
Conversely, if there is a decrease in oil consumption as a result of war-related disruptions, then the price of petroleum products will fall.
Environmental concerns are also influencing people’s opinions on gasoline and diesel fuel as they relate to their impact on climate change.
Factors affecting the supply of oil

Demand and supply are factors affecting oil prices.
Demand for oil is affected by global economic conditions, geopolitical events, and technological advances. Technological advancements can result in an increased demand for petroleum products as electric vehicles become more popular.
Additionally, the advent of hydraulic fracturing has led to a boom in the production of shale gas. However, this could lead to an oversupply on the market if not done properly, which would then drive down prices.
In contrast, supply factors affecting oil prices include OPEC production quotas and international tensions over energy resources such as Venezuela’s growing output.
Supply and demand
The supply and demand for Oil is a basic rule in oil economics and a major factor when it comes to price. Demand refers to the amount of demand that consumers want and are willing to pay for. Supply refers to excess crude oil inventories, i. e., stocks
Oil supply and demand are closely linked—if oil supply increases, then so does the price of oil; conversely, if supply decreases or is disrupted, then energy companies need to increase prices to make up for lost revenue.
Oil supply depends on several factors, including production levels in different countries and events such as natural disasters (such as hurricanes) that can lead to refinery closures. However, these effects impact only a small portion of the available global supplies since almost all crude oil.
Oil-producing countries’ role in oil price fluctuations
The oil-producing countries are the countries that drill oil, like Saudi Arabia and Iran. Oil-producing countries all have their own stories of price increases that they plead as a reason for them going up or down.
The role of the oil market in fluctuating oil prices globally

The global oil market has a very important part to play in the fluctuations of oil prices in the international market. When there is an increase or decrease in demand for oil, this can cause energy prices to fluctuate all around the world.
On one hand, you have countries such as China that are continuing to grow their economy and need more transportation fuel, while other countries that rely heavily on imported fuel (such as the US) see these increased costs impact their purchasing power and ultimately their economy.
What are the effects of the oil price increase locally and internationally?
When oil prices increase, this can have a direct impact on the economy. In some cases, these price hikes can mean that energy companies need to recoup lost revenue by hiking prices for their customers. This often leads to higher costs for goods and services around the world as businesses try to soak up the extra expense. Additionally, people who may have been relying on cheaper energy are now seeing their budgets stretched further than ever before.
How does the war in the Middle East affect oil prices?
War in the Middle East has an indirect impact on oil prices by disrupting production and exports. Countries such as Iraq and Syria have been key contributors to global supply, meaning that when they are disrupted, it takes away a significant chunk of overall availability. In addition to this, the arms race between countries leading up to the conflict is also having an effect on oil supplies, with countries stockpiling more weapons in case of a potential war.
How does war affect oil prices?
War has a direct impact on the price of oil. When there is an increase in the demand for oil, this can lead to higher prices. Additionally, when countries are fighting wars, it can damage production facilities and disrupt exports, both of which will drive up energy prices.

Overall, oil prices fluctuate due to a variety of factors, including international conflicts and domestic economic conditions. When there is an increase in demand for oil, prices will rise. This can have a significant impact on the economy as companies need to make up lost revenue and consumers see increased costs across multiple sectors of their lives.
What is a trade war?
A “trade war” is a conflict between countries over imports and exports. When one country starts to impose restrictions on the number of goods that another country can import, this is considered a “trade war.”
In addition, when one country imposes tariffs on imported products from another country, this is also considered to be a sign of a trade war. The purposes of these disputes are usually different – with the former being motivated by protectionism while the latter revolves around protecting unfair advantages in market prices for exported goods.
How the trade war affects oil prices
When there is a trade war, the prices of oil products go up. This is because it becomes more difficult for foreign companies to import these products and bring them into the country. Additionally, when tariffs are placed on imported goods, this makes them more expensive for consumers. The increased costs cause people to cut back their spending, which in turn causes businesses to suffer even more and results in a downward spiral that can continue indefinitely. Overall, when there is a trade war, it will have a negative impact on the economy, and oil prices will be one of the most affected commodities.