The United States Exerts Limited Influence on the International Crude Oil Spot Market

摘要

The report describes the international crude oil spot market, its role in the larger crude oil market, its importance relative to total U.S. imports of crude oil, and how U.S. Government actions and programs affect it. GAO made this review because of the importance of the spot market during 1979 and because the Government, other Nations, and oil company officials have expressed concern about its growing size and effects on crude oil prices.