Who actually created the energy shortage and the present energy crisis? Think carefully and it will lead you to the usual suspect, the USA itself. With all the embargoes on oil exports from Venezuela, Iran and now Russia, it doe not need a rocket scientist to know what did all this lead to. Iran, Venezuela and Russia are major oil producers and their volume of production cannot be easily substituted by an increase in production by the Middle Eastern Kingdoms nor the USA itself.
The USA, under Trump ,had been actually planning all this in order for them be the dominant energy player, both globally and in Europe. Trump is a big supporter of the USA oil extraction lobby, and fracking is his favourite, and they want a bigger share and bigger control over the global energy market. The USA wants Europe to stop Russian oil and gas imports, so they can muscle in on the EU market and the silly Europeans did not realise they are being pushed under the bus. The USA's actions against NORD stream 2 was all a clear sign of their evil intentions. And the Europeans bought into the lie and are suffering the consequences. There is no going back for them now, like Sweden and Finland.
If Europe gets rid of Russian oil and gas, who benefits the most? But the bigger problem for Europe is not about getting energy replacements from elsewhere, which can be solved in time. The bigger problem is how much more expensive are they willing to pay for their energy cost and how competitive they will be for their products in the world market in the immediate present. This problem will be for the Europeans to shoulder, not the USA. It is a marriage of convenience, where the Europeans suffer the pain while the USA just reap all the gains.
And do not forget that Russia is selling discounted oil and gas to countries like China and India among others. With Asia fueled by cheaper oil and gas and Europe having to pay for more expensive energy, who is going to do better going forward?
So, do not be taken in by the USA's propaganda that the energy crisis is all created by Russia. It is their own creation, and as usual, others have to take the blame while they get away with murder. And the most ironical thing is people do not think but just soak in the propaganda.
Anonymous
You have nailed it to the Evil USA. But of course, if not the Evil USA, who else?
ReplyDeleteWhoever reaps all the benefits by raising oil and gas prices?
Whoever raised the oil and gas prices is the sole beneficiary of this whole game of oil and gas diplomacy / aggression.
From Twitter (Sirius Report):
ReplyDelete'In a conversation between Serbian president Vucic and Putin, Vucic stated that next winter gas prices in Europe could reach $5000 per thousand cubic metres.'
If true, stagflation is coming..
Do we know why the USA and the West are so concerned and worried about China's zero COVID policy that resulted in city wide lockdowns? No, they are not really concern about the Chinese people having problems with food and movement, the same fake concern they are playing up with the Muslims in Xinjiang. That is the least of their real concern, so do not be swayed by their propaganda. It is all eyewash to fool the world.
ReplyDeleteMany analyst are projecting that in a couple of months down the road, the USA will really feel the full effect of the lockdowns in China, with supply chains covering consumer goods from China not readily available in sufficient quantities in the USA. It is already visible on supermarket shelves all round and will get worse months down the road. This is what is riling the Biden administration, with the critical mid term approaching, but the USA can't do anything except to keep demonising China's lockdown and China's zero COVID policy. Why do they care whether such a policy is sustainable or not when it is China footing the bill? China stood steadfast and the situation is now easing, but it takes time to go back to normal and supply chains need time to mend. That is going to pose a threat to the USA and they are worried.
The USA can threaten China with talk of sanctions and decoupling all they want, but what price are they prepared to pay? If hostilities erupt tomorrow, the USA will be left with big, big problem of cheap China made products. Where can they find substitutes of that quantity, in timely need, and how much more expensive can the people afford to pay now, with inflation going through the roof. Already they are jittery with the lockdowns in Chinese cities and are expecting disruptions coming their way. No, inflation is not just 8% in the USA, which figure is for domestic consumption. It is much higher and some even suggest in double digits.
Already the war in Ukraine shows the USA is not dictating the direction, just pouring fuel into the fire. And as Professor John Mearsheimer said in one of his lectures, Russia is not the real competitor for the USA. The real 'pure competitor' for the USA is going to be China moving forward.
The real threat to the panicky USA is China's trade.
DeleteIf nothing from China goes to the USA, who has been enjoying the cheap and good Chinese goods over the last 40 years, USA would become a third or even 4th World country.
That is why the Biden Administration has has become so paranoid that it is hitting out on China and Russia continuously.
Instead of cooperating with China, it has become overly antagonistic and aggressive. This is going to push China and Russia, and maybe later also India, into a corner that they will not turn around. Even if they do, the majority of their population may not, as their sanctions, restrictions and limitations have become a pattern over time.
There may come a time where the Evil USA will be forced to cooperate instead of going on her own independent way all the way. Because that can only bring disasters instead of benefits.
Biden is a pathetic old man trying to put up a show. There is Trump and many war hawks in both parties shouting go, Brandon go, and he did not have the confidence and guts to say otherwise.
ReplyDeleteTrump is the cheer leader dictating Biden's behaviour. Poor Biden wanted to prove to Trump and the Americans that he is tough without knowing why or whether that is a good or bad thing.
The American political clowns are all sucked into this schoolboys and schoolgirls political drama. All just cheering and shouting but not thinking and not seeing the reality that the Americans have painted into a little corner and did not know how to get out of it.
Surprisingly, India is showing some guts and a thing or two to the West. India is telling the USA and the West that taking care of India's own internal interest is more important than taking care of the USA and the West's interest by following the sanctions on Russia.
ReplyDeleteIndia is the next economic power, sooner or later, to challenge the USA if it still calls the shots and will face the same treatment as China when it rises. This is as sure as the sun rising from the East. The USA is unable to live with the truth that there are other nations capable of overtaking them.
While the EU is talking about 90% oil embargo on Russia 'by year end', India is talking about importing more discounted Russian oil to look after it's own interest. Since such embargo is touted to bring down Russia's oil and gas industry, why wait until year's end? Many cities in China are coming out of lockdown and manufacturing is expected to pick up, so Russia will definitely be able to offer more discounted oil and gas to China and India just by pumping them Eastward. So simple a solution.
ReplyDeleteThe EU must be expecting Putin to be shivering with fear. Now why only 90%? Why not make it total 100%? And why end of 2022? Do it now! Also, ban Russian food exports as well.
The USA wants to destroy Russia, but will destroy the EU first for sure. Now that the reality of a Russian victory in Ukraine is becoming evident, they are becoming desperate and want to play Russian roulette with the experts.
On one side Russia is slowly cutting off oil supplies to more traders and states for refusing to pay in Rubles. On the other side, the EU is claiming that more states are now agreeing to cut off Russian oil and gas imports, not now mind you, but by end of 2022. Now, who is cutting who in this cut and thrust suspense thriller? I am confused.
ReplyDeleteWhat is the reality? It looks rather similar to the MSM news on Ukraine, with the MSM all the time claiming Ukraine is winning the war, but failing to tell us why more regions were falling into Russian hands in the East and South.
Earlier they were claiming that Azovstal Steel Plant fighters were bravely keeping up the fighting against the Russian. Boy, just hiding inside the bunkers for weeks without coming out to confront the Russians is being construed as a heroic stand against the Russians? They finally surrendered, but for face saving purpose they call it 'evacuated'. Let them continue to believe in their lies as it serves no purpose to others.