This data-file tabulates the history of energy crisis, by profiling a dozen energy crises that were caused by shortages of coal, oil, gas or electricity, since the start of the twentieth century. On average, prices have increased by 2.3x during an energy crisis, and been followed by rationing.
Oil shocks are particularly famous examples within the history of energy crises, especially the 1973-74 and 1979-80 oil shocks.
Other famous energy crises include the UK coal miners’ strikes, Russia-Ukraine gas disputes and the California electricity crisis. Most recently, price action in 2022 is among the most severe crises in energy industry history..
In each case, our database notes the time-frame, price run-up, causes and consequences.
The average of energy crisis has seen the commodity in question rise 2.3x in price, while energy crises co-occur most often with energy rationing; followed by rising inflation, economic deterioration, stock market declines, increasing energy efficiency measures and even changes in patterns of human migration and geopolitical conflicts.
There is even a relationship where energy crises are more likely ro result in a change in government at the next election.
Further context is visible in the long-term prices of commodities, with the impacts of wars and disruptions causing disrupted commodity prices to rise by 2-10x.