Background
Oil price refers to the cost of bulk oil, generally quoted in US dollars per barrel. Oil prices have a significant impact on the global economy, affecting everything from transport costs to manufacturing expenses and even the overall inflation rate.
Historical Context
The trajectory of oil prices witnessed a considerable shift in 1973-1974, caused by strategic actions from the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). The quadrupling of oil prices during this period triggered a global economic phenomenon characterized by substantial inflation. Since the 1970s, the real price of oil has shown remarkable instability, largely due to OPEC members’ inconsistence in maintaining fixed output levels, further influenced by various economic and technological advancements.
Definitions and Concepts
- Oil Price: The monetary value per barrel of crude oil.
- OPEC: An intergovernmental organization of 13 oil-exporting nations, aimed at coordinating and unifying petroleum policies.
- Real Oil Price: The oil price adjusted for inflation, representing the true economic cost over time.
Major Analytical Frameworks
Classical Economics
Classical economists often emphasize the role of resource inputs and scarcity in determining commodity prices, including that of oil.
Neoclassical Economics
Neoclassical theory would consider the oil price as a function of supply and demand dynamics. It focuses on marginal analysis, assessing how changes in oil output influence price levels.
Keynesian Economics
Keynesian analysis might explore how oil prices affect aggregate demand and overall economic performance. Sudden increases in oil price can lead to higher costs for consumers and producers, prompting government intervention to stabilize the economy.
Marxian Economics
A Marxian perspective could look into how fluctuations in oil price reflect the evolving structures of global capitalism and the struggle between capital and labor.
Institutional Economics
Institutionalists would underline the importance of institutions like OPEC, examining how their policies attempt to regulate and stabilize oil prices and the consequent impact on the global economy.
Behavioral Economics
From a behavioral viewpoint, oil price instability might be investigated in terms of market psychology, herd behavior, and expectations management among oil-producing and consuming entities.
Post-Keynesian Economics
Post-Keynesians would likely scrutinize the role of oil price in economic cycle volatility, stressing how exogenous shocks to commodity prices can disrupt financial stability.
Austrian Economics
Austrian economists would highlight how market signals and entrepreneurial discovery respond to shifts in oil prices, advocating for minimal intervention in the natural equilibrating processes.
Development Economics
Analysts in Development Economics would explore the implications of oil price volatility for developing nations, particularly those dependent on oil exports for revenue.
Monetarism
Monetary theorists, particularly monetarists, view the oil price as a critical factor influencing inflation rates and advocate for strict control over the money supply to mitigate oil-induced inflation.
Comparative Analysis
A comparative analysis of oil prices across different periods showcases the volatility and varying economic impacts due to geopolitical actions, technological advancements, such as fracking, and policies from entities like OPEC.
Case Studies
- Oil Crisis of 1973-1974: Examines the global implications of OPEC’s fourfold increase in oil prices.
- Oil Price Fluctuation (2014-2016): Investigates the impact of fracking technology and the subsequent decline in oil prices.
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- “The Prize: The Epic Quest for Oil, Money, and Power” by Daniel Yergin
- “Oil 101” by Morgan Downey
- “The Economics of Oil” by Steven A. Gabriel
Related Terms with Definitions
- Barrel: A unit of measure for oil, with one barrel equating to 42 US gallons.
- Cartel: An association of producers that manipulate pricing or production levels to realize collective profit.
- Inflation: The rate at which the general level of prices for goods and services rises, eroding purchasing power.
