Remember Bandar's comments re:Woodward and oil production?

[T Roosevelt]

That the Saudi's always tried to support the (current) administration in an election year?

Well I pulled up the data and had a looksee, and for the most part prices (and production) remain fairly flat. No drastic changes month-to-month (usually within 5%), though:

1988 (Bush I) had the largest decrease June-November, down 20%
1996 (Clinton reelection) had the largest increase June-November, up 20%


Right now Saudi production is close to their historical high (8700 kbpd vs 10414 kbpd). Interestingly enough, though, Saudi production in 1984 (Reagan reelection) decreased 27% June (year high) to November, and in 1988 (Bush I election) increased 43% June (near year low) to November. For reference:

1992 change was 2%
1996 change was < 1%
2000 change was 8%

Saudi production as a percent of OPEC ranges from 22% to 45%, with an average of 30%, which is where they are right now.

(Everything is based on presidential election year numbers 1976-2000)

http://www.eia.doe.gov/emeu/international/petroleu.html

[ewagner]

1. This puts things in an interesting light

It appears that the Saudis have manipulated oil prices in favor of Bushites............

Nobody has cried FOUL!

[turiya]

2. the Saudis ARE the Bushites

one entity not two.

[ewagner]

3. Remember that old line

from the Movie Cold Turkey ?

businessman one: We could always blame it on the Arabs..

businessman two: Smith, we are the Arabs