Rising Demand for Oil Provokes New Energy Crisis - New York Times

Since it's all about oil.... their is no comparable world issue....if we are
not considering climate change. These world supply, demand equal price 
stories are very significant.
And the conclusion which is offered that it can't go up for ever would seem
descriptive. Especially considering economic cycles of the past as well as
politically induced oil crisis. 

Unfortunately, all those issues are still significant and we also have to
know consider the exploding world population and who also want their own
vehicle.

And then the issue only the insiders discuss. Peak Oil, which means world 
oil production has peaked and is now acknowledged on the down side slop of
the bell curve. Their is no more ...of significance and reachable.... to be
found.
Oil sands, shale oil, give it up.
Alternatives? Sorry, they just don't generate the punch that oil does. 
Though of course we will use as much natural gas, coal and nuclear as we can
get our dirty mitts on. Hydrogen :) is a non laugh joke:(...
And if you haven't noticed even plug-ins get their energy from NG, Nuclear 
or coal. They are quite and it's fun pretending... is my conclusion.
Actually if we look at energy for production of the new vehicle, the
batteries and the disposal as well as the labor involved to earn the money 
to buy the hybrid it is probably far less carbon foot print to keep driving
the semi efficient clunker you are now filling with petroleum in some form.
Motor bikes, motor scooters and pedal bikes are where we should be going. At 
least until they come out with one equipped with a sail.

Oil production matched oil demand from 1930 to the present. But know they
are parting company. Demand and population continue to rise. While world
production is falling. In big and for us painful steps.

As and example one of major crude oil producing suppliers is Mexico and has
now gone into a significant decline. The estimate is now 12 to 15 percent
decline in the last year. We use 40% of their exported oil and they intend 
to cut foreign sales first as the oil for their people will keep the revolt
in check. Or so they hope. So 60% of Mexico's production is used internal...
with in the nation. And oil revenue is also somewhere around 60% of the 
government budget. That's where the money comes from to subsides the corn
products for the populace.
And hungry people are not happy people. Or even worse passive.
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/09/business/worldbusiness/09oil.html?pagewanted=2&_r=1&th&emc=th