Chapter 120 - Chapter 114: $388 Million is Just an Appetizer

The international crude oil futures market is greatly influenced by external factors. From March to July of this year, a succession of significant international events occurred. The rupture of a Chevron pipeline led to a decline in Nigeria's daily crude oil production. Non-governmental armed groups in Nigeria announced their intention to continue attacking oil facilities in the Niger Delta region. Under international pressure, Iran maintained a hardline stance on its uranium enrichment research. Extremist groups became active in Saudi Arabia and Iraq. This was compounded by the peak summer driving season in the US and concerns over potential oil supply disruptions during hurricane season. The hostage conflict between Israel and Palestine intensified, and war broke out between Israel and Lebanon. Furthermore, BP began shutting down its largest US oil field after a pipeline leak.