Middle East and North Africa Unrest Implications for Oil and Natural Gas Markets

Political unrest in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) has contributed to higher oil prices and added instability to energy markets. Supply disruptions and fears about the possible spread of unrest to major exporters have pushed prices higher. Even if the crisis abates, some risk premium may persist to the degree that market participants fear such an event could occur again. Contents of this report: (1) Introduction; (2) Short-Term Pricing Pressures: Unrest Contributes to Higher Oil Prices; Impacts on the U.S. Oil Market; U.S. Natural Gas More Insulated from MENA Turmoil; (3) Long-Term Considerations: Risks May Persist; (4) Policy Considerations; Strategic Petroleum Reserve; Other Policy Options. Charts and tables. This is a print on demand report.