The start of 2008 saw oil prices hit $100 per barrel – a new record. This important psychological as well as economic milestone has, as a result, also seen petrol prices rising to over £1 per litre. The increase in prices may prove to be an important factor in determining whether the Bank of England is able to lower interest rates.
The heavy price of $100 per barrel Guardian (4/1/08)
Oil sets fresh record above $100 BBC News Online (3/1/08)
Oil price at record $100 a barrel BBC News Online (2/1/08)
What is driving oil prices so high? BBC News Online (2/1/08)
Global oil industry in figures BBC News Online (2/1/08)
Plenty of oil left in the global tank Times Online (16/12/07)
Oil at $100 threatens to choke economy Times Online (3/1/08)
Videos
Oil prices break $100 barrier BBC News Online
Questions
| 1. |
What are the main factors that have driven oil prices over $100 per barrel. |
| 2. |
Using diagrams as appropriate, illustrate the changes that have taken place in the oil market. |
| 3. |
Assess the likely impact of the increase in the oil price on the major UK economic targets. |
| 4. |
Discuss the extent to which the Bank of England will need to take account of higher oil prices in its decisions on interest rates. |
Oil prices have seen a relentless rise in recent weeks with much speculation that they will go over $100 a barrel in the near future. The high oil price has seen the average price of petrol go over £1 per litre in the UK, shortages and rationing in Tehran and violence in Yemen. So what is causing oil prices to rise and what impact is this likely to have on the global economy?
Tempests, truckers and tribesmen – another week in the oil market Guardian (10/11/07)
Steep decline in oil production brings risk of war and unrest, says new study Guardian (22/10/07)
The high oil price may begin to take its toll Times Online (12/11/07)
What is driving oil prices so high? BBC News Online (6/11/07)
OPEC: the oil cartel in profile BBC News Online (18/10/07)
Oil price rises after OPEC summit BBC News Online (19/11/07)
Oil markets explained BBC News Online (18/10/07)
Oil prices BBC News Online – Evan Davis blog (10/11/07)
Super-spiked The Economist (1/11/07)
Video
The OPEC statement on oil prices BBC News Online – video link (19/11/07)
Questions
| 1. |
Using supply and demand analysis, show the reasons why oil prices are rising. |
| 2. |
Using diagrams as appropriate, assess the likely impact of rising oil prices on the level of economic growth in the UK. |
| 3. |
Discuss the extent to which OPEC has been the main cause of the rise in oil prices. |