Oil Geopolitics Lab
A few regions hold most of the oil, but every country wants it. Explore why oil demand is so high, how supply and politics drive the price, and why importing countries chase energy security.
Use it, the way the marks are given
Free interactive practice at using the material, which is what the marks are for.
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The world runs on oil
Oil powers cars, planes, factories and even plastics. But it is not spread evenly: a few regions hold most of the supply, while every country wants it. That imbalance turns oil into a tool of global power. This module explores oil demand, supply and the politics of its price.
Energy security words
Four ideas drive this topic:
Renewable or not?
How is oil best classified as an energy resource?
- A non-renewable fossil fuel
- A renewable resource
- A recyclable resource
- An unlimited resource
Uneven access
Energy is not shared equally around the world.
Match the term
- Non-renewable
- Energy security
- Cartel
- Uneven access
- A resource that will run out
- A reliable, affordable energy supply
- Producers working together to control price
- Some countries get far more energy than others
What moves the oil price
The oil price is set by supply and demand, but politics matters too. If a producing region faces conflict, or a cartel cuts its output, supply falls and the price rises. Countries that import most of their oil are hit hardest by these price shocks.
Plot the price shock
This is a generic oil price index over time. Starting from the given point, plot how the price stays steady, then spikes when a supply shock hits, then settles a little lower.
Prices up
Which THREE things tend to push the oil price UP?
- A shortage in oil supply
- Rising global demand for oil
- Conflict in a major producing region
- A huge new oil field being found
- Demand for oil falling sharply
From shock to pump
Put the steps of an oil supply shock in order, from cause to effect.
- A crisis hits a major oil-producing region
- The global oil supply falls
- The oil price rises sharply
- Importing countries pay more for fuel
- Drivers and businesses face higher costs
Complete the idea
Oil is a _____ resource, so it will eventually run out. Its supply is concentrated in a few regions, while demand is _____ almost everywhere. When supply falls or demand rises, the price _____. Countries that import their oil worry about energy _____, so many are turning to renewables and _____ to reduce their reliance on oil.
True or not?
Tap the TWO statements that are TRUE about oil and energy.
- Oil is a non-renewable resource that will eventually run out.
- A supply shock in a producing region can push the oil price up.
- Oil is shared equally between all countries in the world.
- Oil is a renewable resource that never runs out.
- Importing countries are not affected by oil price shocks.
Boost your security
- Use renewables
- Keep reserves
- Improve efficiency
- Diversify suppliers
- Build wind and solar so less oil is needed
- Store oil to use during a shortage
- Waste less energy so demand falls
- Buy oil from many different countries
Energy crisis
A country relies heavily on imported oil. Advise it in each situation.
- A supply shock abroad has doubled the oil price. What is the immediate problem for this country?
- The government wants to be less exposed to oil price shocks in future. What is a sensible long-term move?
- Critics say relying on a single foreign supplier is risky. What reduces that risk?
Cut the oil habit
Many countries want to reduce their dependence on imported oil. Evaluate whether this is a good idea.
- Give one reason relying on imported oil is risky
- Give one way a country can reduce its oil dependence
- Mention a drawback or cost of making the change
- Reach an overall judgement