U.S. Reduces Oil Imports From Saudis - relationship not so special anymore

[The Straight Story]

U.S. REDUCES OIL IMPORTS FROM SAUDIS

WASHINGTON - The United States has been steadily reducing oil imports from Saudi Arabia.

Oil analysts said the United States began reducing Saudi oil imports in 2002 in wake of the Al Qaida suicide strikes on New York and Washington in which 3,000 people were killed. They said the trend has continued over the last two years.

James Placke, a researcher at Cambridge Energy Research Associates, said by the end of 2004 Saudi Arabia would lose its position as one of the top five oil exporters to the United States. Placke said the result has been a sharp drop in U.S. energy dependence on Riyad as well as increasing criticism by Washington of the kingdom. He cited the State Department decision last week to designate Saudi Arabia a "country of particular concern," which could result in sanctions on Riyad.

"What we're seeing is not punishment or retribution, but a realization that the special relationship is not so special any more," Placke said.

http://www.menewsline.com/stories/2004/september/09_23_4.html

[leesa]

1. Good. This will make SA turn on the Crime Family.

[Dark]

2. We don't need Saudi Arabia anymore. We got Iraq now!

Oh. . .wait.

[misterphelps]

3. Hmmm...Not too sure about that

We are reducing Saudi imports, but I doubt they are near sinking to number five. BTW, Russia is our new Daddy

[Mr_Spock]

4. Awww, poor Saudis.

Who cares about Saudis or Bushies - they're a bunch of cretins.

[FloridaPat]

5. This apparently isn't true. Check out these stats:

Average daily import to US from Saudia Arabia (in thousands of barrels per day):

2001 1,611
2002 1,519
2003 1,726
2004 1,387 - average first 6 month.

Average has been around 16-18%.

Didn't Bob Woodward's book say Saudia Arbia was going to be the hero for Bush this year and come to the rescue with lots of oil before the election? Also, since we now own the oil fields in Iraq, we are making a lot of money off them. Anyone know where that cash is going?

I smell a rat.






from http://www.eia.doe.gov/pub/oil_gas/petroleum/data_publications/petroleum_supply_monthly/current/pdf/stable3.pdf