1990 Oil Price Shock

1990 Oil Price Shock

The 1990 oil price spike occurred in response to the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait on August 2, 1990. Lasting only 9 months, the price shock was less extreme and of shorter duration than the previous oil crises of 1973 and 1979-1980, yet the rise in prices is widely believed to have been a significant factor in the recession of the early 1990s. Average monthly prices of oil rose from $17 per barrel in July to $36 per barrel in August. As the U.S.-led coalition experienced military success against Iraqi forces, concerns about long-term supply shortages eased and prices began to fall.

Read more about 1990 Oil Price Shock:  Iraqi Invasion of Kuwait and Ensuing Economic Effects

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