The 1973 October War contributed to which global economic event?

• A. The first gas crunch
• B. A global oil surplus
• C. Rapid stabilization of oil prices
• D. No impact

Answer: (A)

This question hinges on how a major regional conflict can trigger a global energy crisis by disrupting oil supply. The 1973 October War led Arab oil producers to impose an embargo and cut production, sharply reducing crude availability and driving up prices. The immediate effect was a gas crunch in many countries, with long lines at filling stations, fuel rationing, and rising inflation as energy costs surged. This marked the first major oil shock and reshaped global economies for years. The other options don’t fit: there wasn’t a global oil surplus; prices did not rapidly stabilize but spiked and remained volatile; and the impact was clearly felt worldwide.