1956 — Suez Crisis: Egypt nationalizes the canal, disrupting European oil supply routes.

1973 — Arab oil embargo: OPEC cuts off exports to the US and allies, quadrupling prices overnight.

1979 — Iranian Revolution: The fall of the Shah removes a major producer; prices double within a year.

1990 — Gulf War: Iraq's invasion of Kuwait removes 4% of world supply; prices spike 70%.

2008 — Great oil price spike: Demand surge and speculation drive Brent crude to $147/barrel.

2022 — Russia-Ukraine war: Western sanctions on Russian exports trigger a European energy crisis.

2026 — Israel-Iran escalation: Strait of Hormuz tensions threaten 20% of global oil transit.