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Politics : Slava Ukraini -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?


To: zax who wrote (6015)10/1/2025 9:56:19 AM
From: Savant4 Recommendations

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THE WATSONYOUTH
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zax

  Respond to of 6501
 
long lines and empty stations..reminiscent of the 70's in the USA


The 1970s gas lines were a result of significant oil crises, primarily driven by geopolitical tensions and led to widespread shortages and public panic.

Overview of the Gas Shortages
The 1970s were marked by two major oil crises: the 1973 oil crisis and the 1979 energy crisis. The first crisis was triggered by the Yom Kippur War, during which Arab oil-producing nations imposed an embargo on the United States, leading to a quadrupling of oil prices. This resulted in severe gasoline shortages, with long lines forming at gas stations across the country. The second crisis in 1979 was exacerbated by the Iranian Revolution, which further disrupted oil supplies and caused prices to soar again.


Smithsonian Magazine+1


Impact on Consumers
As a result of these crises, Americans faced dramatic increases in gasoline prices, which rose from about 40 cents to nearly 60 cents per gallon during the first crisis, and later exceeded one dollar per gallon in 1979. The shortages led to odd-even rationing systems, where drivers could only fill their tanks on certain days based on their license plate numbers. Gas stations often ran out of fuel, leading to handwritten "Out of Fuel" signs and widespread frustration among consumers.


Smithsonian Magazine+1


Public Response and Government Actions
The public response included panic buying, with many drivers waiting in long lines for hours to fill their tanks. Some gas stations implemented color-coded flags to indicate fuel availability: green for full, yellow for limited supply, and red for empty. The government encouraged energy conservation measures, and there were calls for reduced consumption, including suggestions to limit holiday lighting.


Smithsonian Magazine+1


Long-term Effects
The gas shortages of the 1970s had lasting effects on American society, leading to a shift towards more fuel-efficient vehicles and a reevaluation of energy policies. The crises highlighted the vulnerabilities of relying heavily on foreign oil and prompted discussions about energy independence and alternative energy sources.


Wikipedia+1


In summary, the gas lines of the 1970s were a significant historical event that reshaped American energy policy and consumer behavior, driven by geopolitical tensions and economic challenges. The experiences of that era continue to influence discussions about energy and fuel today.

**how soon people forgot....and also...the 'dollar/gallon'...adjusted for inflation is more like 7-8$/gallon in today's curency