As New York City faces gas rationing, shortages, and lines in the wake of Hurricane Sandy, we can't stop thinking of the oil crisis of 1973-1974.
That much larger and longer (we hope) crisis occured when the Organization of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries proclaimed an oil embargo in response to U.S. support of Israel during the Yom Kippur war. The embargo went in effect in October 1973 and oil prices immediately jumped from $3 per barrel to $12.
What followed were massive gas shortages and panic, gas stations serving by appointment only to regular customers or closed altogether, and severe restrictiong on electricity use.
Gas stations abandoned during the fuel crisis in the winter of 1973-74 were sometimes used for other purposes. This station at Potlatch, Washington, west of Olympia was turned into a religious meeting hall.
Gasoline Stations Abandoned During the Fuel Crisis in the Winter of 1973-74 Were Sometimes Used for Other Purposes. This Station at Potlatch, Washington, West of Olympia Was Turned Into a Religious Meeting Hall. Signs Painted on the Gas Pumps Proclaim "Fill Up with the Holy Ghost... And Salvation." 04/1974
Country's fuel shortage led to problems for motorists in finding gas as well as paying much more for it, and resulted in theft from cars left unprotected. This father and son, made a sign warning thieves of the possible consequences.
Country's Fuel Shortage Led to Problems for Motorists in Finding Gas as Well as Paying Much More for It, and Resulted in Theft From Cars Left Unprotected. This Father and Son, Made a Sign Warning Thieves of the Possible Consequences 04/1974
During the fuel Crisis before gasoline sales were regulated by the state a dealer in Tigard, pumped gas only to his regular customers. The driver in this picture was refused service.
During the Fuel Crisis before Gasoline Sales Were Regulated by the State a Dealer in Tigard, Pumped Gas Only to His Regular Customers. The Driver in This Picture Was Refused Service 01/1974
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