Skip to content

Bigs Quote by Thomas Friedman

“Oil is a tangible commodity, so there is a global market. The fact that we may need less may affect the global price because we're big consumers: we probably take about a quarter of global demand. But if suddenly, let's just use a crazy example, fighting in the Middle East led to the closure of…” quote by Thomas Friedman
Download Open image
“Oil is a tangible commodity, so there is a global market. The fact that we may need less may affect the global price because we're big consumers: we probably take about a quarter of global demand. But if suddenly, let's just use a crazy example, fighting in the Middle East led to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and no oil could get out through the Strait of Hormuz, well that would affect China, India, Europe, it will affect the whole global economy. It will affect us, too, then.”

Thomas Friedman

About This Quote

Source Article: “The Global Oil Market and Geopolitics,” The New York Times, 2021

The passage explains that oil’s physical nature creates a worldwide market, and disruptions like a blocked strait can affect global economies, including major consumers.

In simple terms: Oil markets are global; blockages affect everyone.

Key Takeaway

Prepare for geopolitical risks in energy planning.

Themes

energy economics geopolitics global trade

Mood

analytical concerned

Type

economic strategic

When to use this quote

  • policy making
  • investment decisions
  • energy security planning
  • risk assessment

Key Concepts

market volatility strategic reserves

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can nations reduce vulnerability to oil supply shocks?
  • What role do strategic reserves play in stability?
A Different Perspective

Alternative energy may mitigate but not eliminate impact.

2.0 out of 5 (7 ratings)

More by Thomas Friedman

Explore all 208 Thomas Friedman quotes

More Bigs quotes

Browse all 15,542 Bigs quotes